Christmas Tree Biscuits

Asked by BigFatLady. Answered on 26th November 2014

Full question

Hi, I have seen the recipe on this website for the Edible Christmas Tree Decorations but wondered how long they last for before spoiling? I would like to make "Advent" biscuits as a countdown to Christmas and so they need to last over 24 days without going soft or bad - some of that time hung on a tree. Which recipes, if any, are suitable? Thanks for your help. Marlene

Our answer

Unfortunately most biscuits and cookies, both store bought and home made, will tend to stale or soften if they are left out for too long. The keeping time will also depend on the conditions they are being kept in; a warm, humid environment will cause the cookies to soften more quickly.

We have not tried to hang Nigella's Edible Christmas Tree Decorations (from Christmas and on the Nigella website) for more than one week so you could do a weekly advent calendar (the remaining biscuits can be frozen and then thawed and decorated weekly). If you do want to try hanging them all for the whole Advent period then the cookies need to be fully dried out and quite crisp. We have not tried this but suspect that after baking the cookies as directed in the recipe they should be given another 5 to 10 minutes in a cooler oven (about 150c/300F) until completely dried out. However do watch the cookies carefully to make sure that they don't scorch.