Christmas is the one time of year it becomes socially acceptable to friends and family members to drop by unannounced, and neighbourly relations are stepped up from polite nodding to full on socialising. Prepare yourself for such emergencies by having a batch or two of Christmas biscuits handy in the tin across the festive period, the perfect treats to whip out at short notice and serve with a glass of mulled wine. Christmas biscuits can also make fantastic edible gifts wrapped up in a colourful box along with a mixture of truffles, fudge and jellies.

Rachel Davies incorporates classic Christmas flavours in her Cardamom, orange and cranberry cantucci, Italian biscuits which will keep for almost a month (if they're not eaten before then!), the perfect solution to unexpected visitors. Adam Byatt's Mincemeat puffs make a bite-sized alternative to mince pies, while Graham Campbell decorates his Christmas cookies like Santa's reindeer for a fun treat children will have as much fun making as eating. Looking for something colourful to liven up a tea table? Sally Abé's Christmas gingerbread biscuits are the perfect canvas for vibrant designs and fun decorations.