Festive Star Cookies

Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Mix the chocolate with the flour, cornflour and almonds and stir into the creamed mixture. Stir in a little cream if the mixture is too firm. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film and chillfor 1 hour.

Heat the oven to 200°C (180° fan) 400°F gas 6. Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

Roll out the dough between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper to a thickness of approximately 4mm|1/4". Cut out stars, bells or other seasonal shapes.

Make a small hole in each biscuit for the hanging ribbon and place on the baking trays. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool on the baking trays for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing: sift the icing sugar into a bowl and beat in just enough water to make a thick coating icing. Put the icing into a small piping bag and pipe designs on the biscuits.