Checkerboard shortbread

I was inspired to make these biscuits after watching "The Great British Bake Off". They are deliciously buttery and melt in the mouth. They are so good for dunking in tea and make a great centre piece at any party.

Ingredients

125g butter

75g caster sugar

a few drops of vanilla essence

150g plain flour

2 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

1. Place the butter in a bowl (or food processor) and beat, adding the sugar gradually until creamy.

2. Then add the vanilla essence and flour.

3. Mix until combined.

4. Then split in half and place one half in a separate bowl.

5. Add the cocoa to one bowl and mix in.

6. Take the vanilla dough and roll out into a long rectangle on a floured surface, about 1cm thick.

7. Cut the dough into 4 long strips.

8. Then do the same for the chocolate dough.

9. Layer the dough up, alternating colours and then wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 mins.

10. Slice the long rectangle of chilled dough into slices about 1cm thick and place on a lined baking tray.

11. Heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 10 - 12 mins.