Shortbread Stars with Mincemeat and Orange Brandy Butter

Homemade buttery shortbread just can’t be beaten - and it’s so easy to make! Top it with a little luxury mincemeat and some orange-flavoured brandy butter for complete heaven on a biscuit! This is a wonderful Christmas recipe and it offers a delicious alternative to mince pies, it is perfect for Christmas parties or just as an indulgent treat while watching your favourite Christmas movie. 

Ingredients (Makes 25)

225g Lurpak Unsalted butter, at room temperature
110g caster sugar
350g plain flour
Pinch salt

Orange brandy butter:
100g Lurpak Unsalted butter
100g icing sugar
Pinch mixed spice
50g caster sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp brandy

Luxury mincemeat, to serve

Method:

- Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan oven 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Line 2 or 3 baking trays with baking paper (if you only have 1 baking tray, cook in batches).
- Beat together the Lurpak Unsalted butter and caster sugar until combined, using a wooden spoon. (The mixture doesn’t need to be light).

-  Add the flour and salt and work it in with the wooden spoon, then use your hand to bring the mixture together.
- Turn out the dough and knead for a few moments until smooth – but avoid over-handling.

- Roll out on a lightly floured surface and stamp out biscuits with a star-shaped cutter (or just use a round one). Re-roll the trimmings to make about 25, placing them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until pale golden brown.

- Cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the orange brandy butter by beating the Lurpak Unsalted Butter with the icing sugar, mixed spice and orange zest. Stir in the brandy, then cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve each biscuit topped with a little mincemeat and orange brandy butter.

Tip

Serve the brandy butter with your mince pies too!