Tasty Christmas recipe – gingerbread men

Making figures out of biscuits is believed to have been practised in the 16th century, when the first documented gingerbread men in history appear at the court of Elizabeth I of England: she had gingerbread figures made and presented in the likeness of some of her guests. Over time, gifting and enjoying gingerbread (in any form!) became associated with fairs, festivals and holidays, and today it is considered a treat especially for the Christmas season. Our Newhailes Head Chef Ivor is sharing his own recipe, which he has been using since the café at Newhailes opened in 2021.

Gingerbread men recipe

This recipe will approximately make 20 gingerbread men, depending on the size of the cutter you use.

Ingredients:

• 375g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 3 tsp ground ginger
• 120g unsalted butter
• 175g soft brown sugar
• 5 tbs or 170g golden syrup
• 1 large egg (beaten)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Sieve the flour and then add all your dry ingredients to a bowl.
3. Gently heat the butter, golden syrup, and sugar in a pan until all the sugar dissolves and you are left with a glossy liquid.
4. Add the beaten egg, and then fold in all your dry ingredients to make a dough.
5. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out dough on a surface lightly dusted with plain flour until approximately 5cm thick, and then cut out your shapes. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a gap between them as they will spread whilst they are being baked.
7. Bake for approx. 12–15 mins.
8. Allow to cool before you decorate with water icing and create your gingerbread men! Or enjoy them plain if that’s how you prefer them.

Perfect with a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold December night!

The café at Newhailes is open daily this winter and offers lots of Christmas treats for all the family. Enjoy an afternoon tea of festive bakes including Ivor’s own gingerbread men!