I set out to make gingerbread men but then half the country fell with snow and suddenly the whole of my neighbourhood was covered in the white stuff so I aptly decided to make some warm gingerbread snowmen to complement the snow days. I picked this out of my favourite baking book but changed it slightly to suit.400g Plain Flour
Three quarters teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda
2 Teaspoons ground ginger
2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
Half teaspoon ground all spice
Half teaspoon salt
180g Butter (softened)
125g soft light brown sugar
1 egg
125g black treacle
Note: This recipe needs to be made the day before you want it – as the dough needs to harden and rest overnight in the fridge.
10-15 minutes in the oven depending on the type of oven.
I start by sifting together flour, the soda, salt and all the spices in a bowl.
In a separate large bowl I put the butter and sugar and then whisk on a light speed until it is light and fluffy.
I then beat in the egg and treacle with the whisk on a slightly higher speed.Once all mixed together I add the flour mixture slowly and at small spoonfuls at a time, whisking as it goes.
I divide the dough into three parts placing them into bowls cover them in cling film and then pop them into the fridge for the night.
The next day in the morning I put the oven to 170c. I leave the dough to soften out of the fridge for ten minutes. I then dust the surface with flour rolling out the dough.
I cut snowmen out with my snowman cutter, grease a baking tray with butter and then pop them all into the oven for 12 minutes.
I leave them to harden as they cool and then enjoy!
