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Gingerbread Recipe

Activities

Ready, Steady, Bake! Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe that is ideal for the little ones.

Not only are they easy to make but they’re also delicious to eat!

 

Ingredients

  • 350 grams plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 125 grams butter
  • 175 grams light soft brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons golden syrup
  • 125 grams icing sugar
  • 3 teaspoons warm water

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 and line two baking trays with baking paper.
  2. Put flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and butter in a big bowl and mix it until it’s crumbly (use your fingers). Stir in the sugar.
  3. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together. Pour into the crumbly mixture and mix until it forms a dough.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it up and put it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll.
  5. Take out the dough, sprinkle a bit of flour and roll out until it’s about as thick as a coin.
  6. Use cutters (any shape you like) to cut out the cookies and place them on the trays, leaving a bit of space between each one.
  7. Put the trays in the oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies turn light golden. Let them cool on the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
  8. Once cool, decorate your gingerbread creations by mixing icing sugar with water and optional colouring.

Tip: You can also use this gingerbread recipe to create tree and table decorations.

Using Gingerbread for Decorations

Gingerbread isn’t just for eating—it’s also perfect for creating festive and charming decorations! Here’s how you can transform gingerbread into beautiful decorative pieces:

1. Gingerbread Ornaments

  • What to Do: Roll out gingerbread dough, cut into festive shapes (stars, bells, hearts), and use a straw to create a small hole near the top for hanging.
  • How to Decorate: Once baked and cooled, decorate with royal icing, edible glitter, or candy. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole to hang them on your tree.

2. Gingerbread Garlands

  • What to Do: Bake gingerbread cookies in uniform shapes like stars or circles.
  • How to Assemble: Decorate the cookies, let them dry, and string them together using a needle and sturdy thread for a whimsical garland.

3. Gingerbread Houses

  • What to Do: Use large pieces of gingerbread to construct walls and roofs, then “glue” them together with royal icing.
  • How to Decorate: Add colorful candies, sprinkles, and even powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Display as a centerpiece or mantle decoration.

4. Table Centerpieces or Displays

  • What to Do: Use gingerbread cookies in holiday shapes as part of your table setting or as accents in a winter-themed display.
  • Tip: Combine with pine branches, fairy lights, or candles for a rustic holiday vibe.

5. Personalized Place Cards

  • What to Do: Bake gingerbread cookies in simple shapes and use icing to write guests’ names on them.
  • How to Use: Place them at each table setting for a personal, edible touch.

Pro Tip: For decorations meant to last, bake gingerbread with less moisture (reduce baking soda and bake longer at a lower temperature) to ensure they stay sturdy. Coat them with clear lacquer or varnish if they’re for display only.

With a little creativity, gingerbread can turn your home into a holiday wonderland!

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