Buttery Almond Cookies

1) Preheat the oven to 190C/Gas 5. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, the vanilla and almond essences and blend well.

2) In separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and ground almonds. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and blend well. Fold in the flaked almonds.

3) Roll out the dough onto a flour dusted work surface and cut into desired shapes. Place the biscuits onto a greaseproof paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.