A Simple Gingerbread Cookie Recipe For All

Quick, Easy Gingerbread Recipe

Well everyone it’s that time of year again, it's coming around quicker every single year! It's time to dig out your nans old gingerbread cutter, you have no doubt inhertited, get your apron on and unlock some wonderful memories. Whether you are cooking with kids or you’re just a big kid yourself, it’s enjoyable no matter what!

 So before we get started I just want to let you know that…

 Preparation time: Approximately 30mins - 1 hour         

 Cooking Time:10-30 mins                                        

Serves: Makes 30 biscuits approximately 

Let's start with ingredients, you will need…         

• 350g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 125g butter (or plant based spread if vegan)
• 175g light soft brown sugar
• 1 free range egg (or flax/chia egg if vegan)
• 4 tablespoons golden syrup

Optional ingredients…

• Writing icing
• Gel icing
• Edible decorations

Equipment…

• Food processor
• Multiple mixing bowls
• Scales
• Greaseproof paper

(Bonus: A food processor would make this process a lot easier and less messy, however it is doable without I promise!)

 READY, STEADY, BAKE: Now for the method

Optional – I would start by getting all the ingredients measured out ready, this isn’t necessary at all, it just makes the process a lot smoother. 

 Step 1… Sift together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger and cinnamon, add the butter and place the mixture in the food processor/bowl. Then blend or use your hands until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs, next stir in the sugar with a wooden spoon.

Step 2… In a separate bowl lightly beat the golden syrup and egg together, add to the food processor/bowl and pulse/mix until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap in cling film then place in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill.

Step 3… Time to fire up the beast (that is your oven) to 180C / 160C FAN / GAS 4 and line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Step 4… After 15 minutes, take your dough out the fridge and place down on an even surface. Sprinkle about 4 pinch-full’s of flour onto your worktop– just to make sure the dough doesn’t stick to the surface. You want to roll the dough out to approx. 0.5cm thick and start cutting your little gingerbread men/women out or free hand it! Get creative.

Step 5… Place your little men/women/creations on the baking trays and leave a gap between each one – they will expand in the oven and hold hands if you don’t. Bake for 12 – 15 mins, or until they are golden brown in colour.

Step 6…  When baked take them out of the oven (I’m sure this goes without saying but be careful as the tray will be hot, wear protection such as oven mitts please) and leave on the side to cool for about 10 minutes.

NOW THE FUN BIT, GO NUTS AND HAVE FUN DECORATING!

We would love to see your creations – tag us on Instagram using #festivefossebakeoff and be in with a chance of winning a full box of gingerbread cookie wax melts. 

 If that all seems like a bit much, maybe you're just not into baking...that's okay! Absoultely no judgement here, I completely relate. You can recreate the smell of gingerbread in your home this Christmas with our very own gingerbread cookie wax melts.Your living room or kitchen will be transformed into Santa's Grotto with the rich aroma of freshly backed gingerbread cookies with notes of sticky caramel, maple syprup and sweet vanilla...click here to get yours now! 

 A very merry Christmas from all of us at Fosse Living x