When it comes to classic holiday treats, gingerbread men hold a special place in our hearts. Their charming shape, warm spices, and delightful aroma make them the perfect addition to any festive gathering. Today, we’re bringing you a timeless Gingerbread Man recipe that’s perfect for the UK, so you can create your own delicious batch of these beloved cookies. So, preheat your oven, get your cookie cutters ready, and let’s start baking!
Ingredients:
- 350g plain flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 125g butter
- 175g light soft brown sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 4 tbsp golden syrup
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Gently mix these dry ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of the spices.
- In a saucepan, gently melt the butter, light soft brown sugar, and golden syrup. Stir continuously until everything is well combined, taking care not to overheat the mixture.
- Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly. Then, add it to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir until it forms a cohesive dough. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until you achieve the right consistency.
- Roll out the gingerbread dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5mm. Use gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your gingerbread men and carefully place them on the prepared baking trays, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake your gingerbread men for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Be vigilant and avoid overbaking to prevent them from becoming too hard.
- Once they’re done baking, remove the trays from the oven and allow the gingerbread men to cool on the trays for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once your gingerbread men are completely cooled, the fun part begins! You can get creative with decorating your gingerbread men using icing, chocolate chips, or any other decorative elements that spark your imagination.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread men filling your home during the holiday season. This classic gingerbread man recipe is perfect for bringing family and friends together to enjoy the tradition of baking and decorating these festive cookies. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to spread some holiday cheer, these gingerbread men will surely delight all who taste them.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and have a wonderful time creating your own homemade gingerbread men. Share the joy and savour the delicious taste of a time-honoured holiday treat.
Happy baking!