Desserts Recipes - Spicy Fruit Biscuits Recipe

Cream the butter and sugar in a small bowl with an electric beater until light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla essence and egg and beat until well combined. Transfer to a large bowl and add the sifted flour, mixed spice, ginger and baking powder.

Using a knife, mix to a soft dough. Gather together, then divide the mixture into 2 portions.

Roll one portion out on to a rectangle about 3mm/1/8in thick and trim the edges. Repeat with the other dough portion and refrigerate both until just firm.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment.

Spread each dough rectangle with mincemeat, then roll up like a Swiss roll. Cut the rolls into slices about 1cm/1/2in thick. Place on the prepared trays, leaving space between each slice.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Cool on the trays for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.