Step 2

Stack all five sheets of puff pastry on top of each other and roll out with a rolling pin until the combined stack is as thin as a single sheet.

Step 3

Using a round or oval cutter, press out as many cookies as possible from the pastry, working economically to minimise waste.

Step 4

Mix the vanilla sugar with the cinnamon, cardamom and lime zest in a small bowl.

Step 5

Clear flour from the counter and sprinkle with some of the spiced sugar mix. Brush each pastry piece lightly with egg wash, then dip into the sugar mix and roll gently to press the sugar in.

Step 6

Arrange the coated pieces on a greased baking sheet (or lined with baking paper) and leave to rest for 20–25 minutes — this makes the cookies crisper.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) while the cookies rest.

Step 8

Bake the cookies until golden brown and the sugar is nicely caramelised, about 25 minutes.