1-Getting started: Getting started with Christmas biscuits is simple and fun, even if you’re a beginner. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup.

2-Next: beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy, which takes about one minute for a smooth mix. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything combines well. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing slowly at first to avoid a mess, then continue until the dough is clumpy.

3-Lightly flour your work surface, transfer the dough, pat it into shape, and divide it into two discs for easier handling. Roll the dough to 0.3 cm (1/8 inch) thickness for crisp cookies or 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) for softer ones, using extra flour to stop it from sticking. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and move them to your baking sheets with a knife or spatula, keeping any unused dough in the fridge.

4-Final Baking Steps: Bake for 10 minutes, swapping the trays halfway to ensure even results. Let the cookies cool completely on the trays as they finish cooking. This method yields around 40 cookies, depending on size, and takes about 25 minutes total prep and baking time.