Description
The Mary Berry Gingerbread Men are spiced biscuits shaped into gingerbread characters, made with a mixture of golden syrup, brown sugar, plain flour, butter, and classic warming spices like ginger and cinnamon. Baked until golden and then decorated with icing or sweets, these cookies are festive, aromatic, and great for both eating and crafting.
Ingredients
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Plain flour – 350g (about 2¾ cups): The base of the biscuit.
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Bicarbonate of soda – 1 teaspoon: Helps create a slightly puffed texture.
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Ground ginger – 2 teaspoons: Warm and aromatic.
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Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: Adds extra spice depth.
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Butter – 100g (cold and cubed): Rubbed into the flour for a short biscuit texture.
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Light brown sugar – 175g (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and a slight chew.
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Golden syrup – 4 tablespoons: Brings in moisture and a classic gingerbread flavor.
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Egg – 1 medium, beaten: Binds the dough together.
Optional for decorating:
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Icing sugar and water (for piping): To outline and decorate the gingerbread men.
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Smarties, sprinkles, or small sweets: For buttons and eyes.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix
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Sift together dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
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Rub in the butter: Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
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Stir in brown sugar: Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
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Add golden syrup and beaten egg: Mix with a spoon or hands until a smooth dough forms.
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Wrap and chill: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Shapes
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Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
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Line baking trays with parchment paper.
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Roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 5mm (¼ inch) thick.
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Cut shapes: Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes and place on the trays, spaced apart.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
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Bake for 10–12 minutes: Until lightly golden and firm around the edges.
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Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 5: Decorate (Optional)
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Mix icing sugar with a little water: Pipe outlines, faces, and buttons.
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Stick on sweets: Use icing as glue to attach decorations.