Ingredients

250 g plain flour

130 g pure ghee (at room temperature, soft but not melted)

100 g caster sugar

1 tsp fine salt

1 tsp clear vanilla essence

Garnish:  Dried cherries (optional), chopped

Cooking Steps

Step 1:  Prep the Dry Ingredients & Base

  1. Combine dry ingredients:  In a bowl, whisk the plain flour and salt together until evenly distributed.  Set aside.
  2. Cream the ghee & sugar:  in a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the pure ghee and caster sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until pale, light and doubled in volume.  Mix in the vanilla essence until just blended.

Step 2:  Form the Dough

  1. Add flour in stages:  Add the flour mixture to the creamed ghee in 3 equal additons, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
  2. Gently bring together:  Use your hands to gently gather the dough together until it forms a soft, smooth ball.  Avoid over-kneading to keep the classic crumbly texture.

Step 3:  Shape & Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 200F (150C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
  3. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll between your palms into a smooth ball.
  4. Place on a baking sheet, lightly press to flatten the top slightly, and press a piece of dried cherry in the center.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes - they should remain pale on top with a light golden shade on the bottom.  Cool completely on the tray before moving, as they are very delicate while warm.
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