Chpatchky (shpachky)

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and icing sugar in a bowl.
2. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and rub it in with your fingertips until the texture is sandy.
3. Add the egg yolk, cream, vanilla and cognac if using, then knead just enough to form a smooth dough.
4. Wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes in the fridge.
5. Roll it out to 3 mm thick and cut out diamonds or squares about 4 cm across, making a slit in the centre of each.
6. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake at 180 °C for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Let them cool before storing.