Herdy’s Tash-tastic Shortbread

Is your Dad a tea monster? Then these tea-infused shortbreads will be the perfect accompaniment! Enjoy on their own or with a brew for a delicious Father’s Day treat.

Ingredients

125g unsalted butter
75g caster sugar
225g plain flour
3 tea bags
40ml milk
Black royal icing

Makes A Bakers Dozen

Ewe will need

Herdy Cookie Cutter Set
non-stick baking tray
Rolling pin
Wire tray (for cooling)
Mixing bowl and spoon

Method:

Preheat oven to 180’C/Gas mark 4.

Let's brew up! First things first, it's time to make your tea infusion. Heat up 40ml of milk, on the hob or in the microwave. Next, take 3 tea bags (we’re using Yorkshire Tea, but you could use Earl Grey if your feeling fancy) and submerge them in the milk. Leave your tea bags in the milk for 10 minutes, so the mixture is nice and strong.

2. Next, cream together your butter and caster sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Strain your tea bags and slowly stir in the liquid, you will be left with approximately 30ml to add to your mixture. Make sure the milk is at room temperature before adding it to your mix.

4. Sift in the flour and mix gently with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to create a smooth dough. If your mixture is a little loose, feel free to add in a bit more flour. Leave to chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

5. Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough to approx 8mm thick - best to use guides for this to ensure even thickness.

6. Cut out your shortbread with the Herdy cookie cutter, for this recipe we are using the Herdy ‘Head” cutter. Take care to press down all areas of the cutter. Dip the cutter in flour in between cuts, to prevent sticking.

7. Transfer to a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C, gas mark 2.

8. Once cooked, allow to cool a little before transferring to a wire rack, then allow to cool fully before decorating.

9. To make Herdy’s moustache, dust your work surface with icing sugar then take some black royal icing and roll to approx 3mm thick. Then, carefully cut out 12 moustache shapes, around 4cm in width. To make things easier, you can create a moustache template out of some paper.

10. To attach Herdy’s tash, dissolve a little icing sugar in water to create a glue. Place a small blob over Herdy's nose and place the moustache on top. If your moustaches are looking a little frosted, use a small paint brush or cotton bud dipped in water to remove any excess icing sugar.

11. Finally, get the kettle on, and enjoy your shortbread with a nice cup of tea to celebrate Father’s Day.