Bake your own gingerbread men: A cosy and fun activity for everyone! There's something undeniably magical about baking during the festive season, especially when it involves making your own gingerbread men. Whether you're planning a baking night with friends or a fun Sunday activity with your family, gingerbread cookies are the perfect choice. They're not only delicious but also a blast to decorate, making them a great way to bond and create lasting memories. In this post, we'll walk you through a simple yet delightful gingerbread cookie recipe that's sure to be a hit in any European kitchen. Let's bake! 01. Kitchen gadgets you'll need 02. Gingerbread recipe 03. How to store cookies Kitchen gadgets you'll need Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure you've got all the necessary gadgets on hand. You'll need a mixing bowl, whisk, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, and parchment paper. And don't forget – baking is not just about the cookies; it's also about the experience! So, why not make it extra special with our matching aprons for kids and adults? They're not only practical but also add an extra touch of fun to your baking session. Gingerbread recipe Ingredients 350g all-purpose flour 100g brown sugar 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 125g unsalted butter, softened 175g treacle or dark syrup 2 tbsp milk Icing (Optional) 200g powdered sugar 2-4 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Food colouring (optional) Decoration gels and sprinkles (optional) Instructions 1) Prepare dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and baking soda until well blended. 2) Mix in butter: Add the softened butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 3) Add syrup and milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the syrup and milk. Pour this into the flour and butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk. 4) Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. 5) Chill and roll: Divide the dough in half, flatten it into disks, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. After chilling the dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. If you're using a rolling pin and don't have a ruler handy, aim for a thickness that's just a little less than the width of a standard pencil. 6) Cut out your shapes: This is where the fun really begins! With our variety of baking kits and cookie cutter sets, you can choose to make the classic gingerbread man, a charming gingerbread house, or round cookies with special Christmas designs. Let your creativity run wild! 7) Bake and cool: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to allow the cookies to cool completely before the next step – decoration! 8) Decorate with joy: For the icing, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed. Divide the icing into bowls and add food colouring if desired. Use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to decorate the cookies. And don't forget to add a touch of magic with our decorative gels and sprinkles. Whether you're going for a classic look or something more whimsical, our decorations will help your cookies stand out. Once the icing has set, your gingerbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed! How to store cookies Once your gingerbread cookies are decorated and have fully set, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for up to two weeks, but let’s be honest – they’re so delicious, they might not last that long! Baking gingerbread cookies is more than just a culinary activity; it's a way to create warm, festive memories. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying this for the first time, the joy of baking, decorating, and sharing these cookies is a wonderful experience. So, grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a delightful baking adventure! Sign up for our newsletter Join the fun in the kitchen! 🍪 Sign up for our newsletter to get the tastiest recipes and sweetest deals delivered right to your inbox! Sign up here