cocktail cherries (optional)
gel food colouring (optional)
330g/11½oz plain flour, sifted
1½ tbsp baking powder
320g/11¼oz caster sugar
200g/7oz caster sugar
pinch salt
1½ tsp good-quality vanilla extract
175g/6oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
400g/14oz butter, softened
3 eggs
150g/5½oz egg whites
190ml/6¾fl oz whole milk