Preheat oven to 150C. Line 1 or 2 oven trays with baking paper.

Beat butter, essence, sugar and golden syrup in an electric mixer or electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, stir in sifted flour.

Roll into small balls, place about 5cm apart onto oven trays, flatten slightly with a fork.

Bake cookies about 30 minutes or until firm. Cool on wire racks.