Almond shortbread wreaths with brandy glaze

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C. Beat butter, caster sugar and grated rinds in an electric mixer until light and fluffy (5-6 minutes). Add flour, almond meal, orange juice and spices and beat to just combine. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 2cm fluted nozzle. Pipe 7cm-diameter wreaths onto baking trays lined with baking paper, leaving 2-3cm in between each to spread, then bake until light golden (12-15 minutes). Cool completely on trays, then transfer to a wire rack placed over a tray.

Step 2

Meanwhile, for brandy glaze, combine ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth and of drizzling consistency (add a little water to thin if necessary). Drizzle a little over each wreath, allowing excess to run off, decorate with silver dragées and red holly sugar beads, stand until set (15-20 minutes). Almond shortbread wreaths will keep stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.