A Dip and a Dunk: Bathtime 'Butter Biscuits'

Recreated from Shadowblack by Sebastien de Castell

Not knowing what else to do, I picked up one of the butter biscuits. I was going to put it in his paw, but he'd already stuck it back under the water, and instead opened up his fuzzy little mouth. I deposited the biscuit there and was soon treated to the sound of a squirrel cat nibbling on a butter biscuit while moaning rapturously. 'Oh yeah,' he mumbled, the words sounding garbled on account of all the chewing noises. 'This is how I want to spend my life from now on.'

Confession: this is shortbread. I can only hope said squirrel cat would eat them anyway (they are very buttery), and not my eyeballs in retribution. Unlike my butter biscuits inspired by Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch, these will withstand a thoroughly good dunking. I'd suggest tea, not bathwater. 

These taste significantly better (more buttery) after an evening's rest, so make a day ahead. They'll last for up to a month in an airtight container. 

Ingredients (makes 12)

• 180g plain flour, sifted
• 120g butter, softened
• 60g golden caster sugar
• Extra flour for dusting
• Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Equipment: mixing bowl, wooden spoon for beating, rolling pin, biscuit cutter (appr. 6cm diameter), baking tray, fork

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) fan assisted.
2. Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. 
3. Mix the flour through thoroughly to form a dough.
4. Dust your rolling pin and work surface with flour. Roll the dough out to 1cm thickness (I find it easier to roll smaller amounts out evenly, so I work in four batches). 
5. Cut out the biscuit shapes with your cutter and place them on the baking tray, evenly spaced apart.  Prick four times with a fork. 
6. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. 
7. Sprinkle with extra sugar if desired. Desire recommended.