Hazelt and Cinnamon Cookies

Method

• step 1

  Preheat the oven to 120C/250 Fan/ Gas mark 1/2. Line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper.

• step 2

  If only whole hazelnuts are avadible, whizz to a fine powder in blender. Mix this with the cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest. In a SEPERATE bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla essence until stiff, then fold in the icing sugar.

• step 3

  Put 4 heaped tbsp of the egg mixture to one side and add the rest to the hazelnut mixture. When it is well mixed, squidge together to form a coherent ball.

• step 4

  Place the dough on a sheet of baking parchment and place another sheet on top. Roll the pastry out to approx. 5mm thick. Remove the top layer of parchment and cut out circles/stars. Place these on the baking trays.

• step 5

  Stir the remaining egg white mixture and, using a pastry brush, brush it thickly and evenly over each cookie. Allow the glaze to settle for 5 mins and put the cookies into the oven for 15 mins.

• step 6

  Finally, turn down the oven to 100C/225 Fan/Gas mark 1/4 and bake for another 20 mins. Leave the cookies cool in the oven.

• step 7

  Enjoy!!