Instructions

MAKE TOM'S PERFECTED SPICE BLEND DOUGH:
1. In medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add finely ground espresso, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves to flour.
3. Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices evenly creating distinctive kick.
4. In large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar using electric mixer until light, fluffy, and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until incorporated, scraping down bowl sides.
6. Tom's balanced not oversweet sugar level allows complex spices to shine.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with milk, mixing on low speed just until combined.
8. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly and refrigerate 30 minutes.

ROLL AND CUT THE BISCUITS:
9. Remove one dough disc from refrigerator and roll to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface.
10. Roll from center outward, rotating dough periodically for even thickness achieving good texture and great crunch.
11. Cut into desired shapes (rounds, rectangles, or coffee cup shapes) using cookie cutters.
12. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets spacing 1 inch apart.
13. Gather scraps, re-roll once, cut additional biscuits.
14. Repeat with second disc.
15. Chill cut biscuits on sheets 15 minutes before baking for shape retention.

BAKE TO PERFECT TEXTURE:
16. While biscuits chill, preheat oven to 350°F allowing 15 minutes, position rack in center.
17. Bake chilled biscuits 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
18. Centers should be set and slightly puffed as Mary noted puffy comes through.
19. Watch carefully during final minutes to prevent overbaking.
20. Cool on sheet 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack.
21. Cool completely before icing, at least 30 minutes.

MAKE THE WHITE ICING BASE:
22. Sift powdered sugar into medium bowl to remove lumps.
23. Add 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract.
24. Whisk until smooth and thick but pourable with consistency of thick glue.
25. If too thick add remaining milk gradually, if too thin add more powdered sugar.

PREPARE THE COFFEE ICING:
26. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar, strong brewed espresso, and cocoa powder until smooth.
27. Should be slightly thinner than white icing for proper feathering effect.
28. Transfer to piping bag or squeeze bottle with very small opening.

APPLY THE FEATHER ICING:
29. Working with one biscuit at a time, spread white icing evenly over entire top surface with offset spatula.
30. While white icing still wet, immediately pipe thin parallel lines of coffee icing across width about 1/2-inch apart.
31. Working quickly, drag toothpick perpendicular through parallel lines alternating directions (left to right, then right to left).
32. Creates classic feather pattern with delicate curves and nice salmon color effect Mary praised.
33. Repeat with remaining biscuits working quickly.

ALLOW ICING TO SET:
34. Let biscuits sit undisturbed at room temperature 30 minutes minimum until completely dry and set.
35. Once set, store in airtight container in single layer or with parchment between layers.
36. Serve with afternoon tea or coffee delivering perfectly balanced chai spices, coffee kick, and sweet icing at just the right level earning Paul Hollywood handshake and Tom you nailed it validation.