Gifts You Can Bake For Christmas
Here is a fun way for the family to get together before the festive season to bake gingerbread men!
13/12/2024
This Christmas will be a tight one for many families as inflation takes a strangehold on wallets. Why not start a new tradition and bake treats that family and friends will love - gifts made with love that won't break the bank!
The entire family can get together to make these adorable gingerbread cookies and it's a fun activity for all ages. Start a family tradition and let the kids help with rolling out the dough and pressing out the shapes. Our thanks to Le Creuset for sharing this recipe.
YOU WILL NEED:
2/3 cup golden syrup
½ cup treacle sugar
125g butter
2 egg whites
375g plain flour
300g icing sugar
1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. mixed spice
1 tbsp. ground ginger
Food colouring, for decoration
HERE'S HOW:
1. Combine the butter and treacle sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer. Mix for 6 to 8 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
2. Add the golden syrup, flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and spices and beat until the mixture comes together to form a smooth dough.
3. Roll out between two sheets of non-stick baking paper to 4mm thick. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
4. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
5. To make the gingerbread men, press the mixture flat to cut out the cookie shapes. Place on a baking sheet and pop into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Leave to cool slightly on the tray before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Using an electric beater, whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating continually, until a stiff icing forms. Divide into different bowls and stir in food colouring. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a small plain nozzle and decorate the gingerbread men.