Easter butter cookies

All ingredients must be at room temperature.

1. Sift the flour and baking powder.
2. Beat the butter in a mixer for 5-6 minutes, until fluffy.
3. Sprinkle in the sugar and cream mixture for a further 6-7 minutes.
4. Add the beaten eggs, orange zest, vanilla powder, mastic, and salt.
5. Dissolve the baking soda in a glass of orange juice and add to mixture.
6. Hold the glass above the bowl as you do this because the juice might spill over.
7. Add the flour little by little, kneading carefully.
8. The dough must be fluffy, buttery and supple – not sticky.
9. Do not overwork the dough because the cookies will go hard.
10. Cover and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
11. Mold the cookies into any shape you want.
12. Brush with egg wash.
13. Preheat oven to 360°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.