Sift together all the dry ingredients.

Using an electric beater cream together the butter,sugar and vanilla.

Using a wooden spoon mix the egg and treacle into the creamed butter.

Add the dry ingredients and mix together with the spoon.

Tip out mixture on to a work surface and mould together.

Press into a disc then cover in plastic wrap and allow to rest refrigerated for one hour.

Preheat oven to 180C.

Sprinkle work surface with a little flour then roll out the dough to 5mm-6mm thick.

Cut into desired shape then place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Decorate as desired.