Bring the magic of Christmas into your kitchen with Benugo’s very own gingerbread men recipe!
There’s something truly special about the smell of gingerbread baking – warm spices, golden sweetness, and that unmistakable festive aroma. This recipe is light, perfectly spiced, and ideal for creating gingerbread men. Whether you’re baking for gifts, decorations, or simply a sweet treat with a cup of tea, this is the ultimate festive bake.
Light Gingerbread Dough
Makes: 1kg
Prep: 10 minutes + 1h15 chilling
Cook: 6–10 minutes
Ingredients:
140g golden syrup or honey
200g soft light brown sugar
200g unsalted butter
4 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
500g plain flour
1 tsp salt
1 lightly beaten medium free-range egg
Method:
- Melt & Mix: Pour the golden syrup (or honey) into a large saucepan with the sugar, butter, and spices. Melt over a low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to boiling point.
- Add Bicarbonate: Remove from the heat and beat in the bicarbonate of soda. The mixture will froth up – mix briefly, then leave to cool for 15 minutes.
- Combine: Sift the flour and salt, then fold into the mixture in batches. Beat in the egg until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.
Chill: Scrape the sticky dough onto a clean surface, knead lightly until smooth, wrap in cling film, and chill for 1 hour.
Baking Guide:
- Preheat oven to 160°C fan / 140°C gas mark 3.
- Line trays with silicone sheets or greaseproof paper.
- Roll out dough to 5mm thick, cut shapes, and transfer to trays.
- Blast chill for 5 minutes until firm.
- Bake for 6-10 minutes until golden at the edges.
Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Tip: Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or even create a gingerbread house for a show-stopping centerpiece!
Ready to bake? Share your creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your festive gingerbread masterpieces!
