Ideal for Christmas but just as tasty all year round, these crunchy biscuits make a perfect seasonal gift or threaded with ribbon and hung on the tree.

Approx. 18 biscuits

Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper and set aside
Add the flour, maple syrup, sweet spice, sugar and butter to a large bowl. Rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the beaten egg and mix to a stiff dough. Bring together with your hands into a disc, wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 20 mins
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 5mm thick. Cut out a mixture of shapes, such as stars, Christmas trees, snowmen or snowflakes with cutters. Bring any leftover dough together again, roll out and cut out further shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets and chill for 10 mins until firm
Bake for 10-12 mins (check after 8 mins if your shapes are small) or until a pale golden colour. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool completely