Chocolate and peanut butter shorties

Ingredients

250g Butter

140g Icing Sugar

2tsp Vanilla essence

250g Plain Flour

75g Cornflour

Instructions

1) Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 5

2) Mix together the softened butter, icing sugar and essence until pale and fluffy

3) Sift in the plain flour and corn flour and mix slowly with a wooden spoon. Note: it is possible that you will need to use your hands to assist in the combining, you can do this by turning it out onto a lightly floured surface.

4) It is important you do not over work the dough otherwise it will become tough. So once combined and in a dough state, wrap in clingfilm and place in the fridge until firm. (Usually about 30 minutes)

5) Once the dough is firm to touch remove from the fridge and place onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin roll the dough out to approximately 2cm thick.

6) Using your round cutters cut out an even number of circles. Note: You will need a top and a bottom for the biscuits.

7) Once you have cut the rounds out place on a backing tray and place in the middle of the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until slight golden around the edge.

8) Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool

10) Once cool take your peanut butter (recipe can be found here) and dollop a generous helping on your base biscuit then take the top biscuit and sandwich them together. Place them to one side.

11) Once the biscuits are sturdy enough, melt approximately 2/3 of your chosen chocolate. (i like to use Callebaut)

12) Once the chocolate has melted added the other 1/3 and mix until they are melted into the liquid chocolate. This is a very simple tempering process and ensures that your chocolate remains glossy.

13) Once you are happy that the chocolate is completely melted, take your sandwiched biscuits and drop into the melted liquid. lift using a folk and shake gently to make sure that the chocolate fully coats the biscuits and the chocolate smooths, and any excess drops back into the bowl.

14) Place these biscuits onto a wire rack, whilst the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with any decorations you would like. i have used butterscotch pieces (recipe to follow).

Note:  If you would like to add white chocolate you will need to wait for the chocolate to set on the biscuit first.

Much love always