Gingerbread men

What you will need: 

* 400 g plain flour
* 3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 180 g unsalted butter at room temperature
* 125 g soft light brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 125 g golden syrup

Method: 

* Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl and set aside
* Put the butter and sugar in a mixer and cream together on a slow speed until light and fluffy,
* Turn the mixer up to medium and add the egg and golden syrup.
* Turn the mixer down again and slowly add the flour mix a spoonful at a time, make sure all the mixture is mixed in by using a spatula to scrape the edges,
* once a dough has formed take it out of the mixer and divide into three, wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge over night to rest
* When ready to bake Preheat the oven to 170 c/ gas 3
*  Take the dough out of the fridge and allow to soften for 10 minutes.
* On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 4 mm,
* Cut with cookie cutters and arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes
* Once cooked allow them to cool slightly on the tray before transferring onto a wire rack
* Once they have cooled decorate how every you like

We used icing pens to decorate and create our own features and designs.

This recipe produces approx 25- 30 soft gingerbread men - perfect for young children.

Recipe adapted from the original one found in "the hummingbird bakery cookbook"