Burrebrede (Scottish Shortbread)

Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4.

In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice and salt. Divide into two equal parts, and set one aside. Add the flour and butter to the other half, and stir until blended. It should be slightly grainy.

Press the dough evenly into a 20cm (8 in) square tin. Cut into 2.5x5cm (1x2 in) pieces using a knife, and prick with the tines of a fork. This will keep the shortbread from warping while baking. Sprinkle the reserved sugar and spice liberally over the top, brushing into all of the cuts and holes.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden at the edges. Do not brown. Cool completely in the tin, and break into pieces along the lines to serve.