Preheat the oven to 190ºc / 375ºf / Gas 5. Line 2 trays with baking paper.
Beat the butter until smooth, then stir in the icing sugar until mixture is pale and fluffy.
Add the flour, baking powder and combine. Add in the vanilla essence and beat well.
Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a medium star nozzle. Pipe out onto each baking sheet, spacing well apart to allow for spreading during cooking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until pale golden.
Leave to set for around 5 mins, then use a palette knife to transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
In the meantime, melt the chocolate over pan of hot water. Once melted, dip the ends of each biscuit into the melted chocolate, then place back on a wire rack to set. Then serve with a cuppa tea.
Top tip
The dough may seem stiff but don't add any liquid to soften, as this will make the dough heavier