Easy Gingerbread Recipe (2024)

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Published: · Modified: by Lauren Matheson ·

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Not only do we love making (and eating!!) this easy Gingerbread Recipe, but we also love decorating it too!This Gingerbread takes no time at all to put together and you can use any type of biscuit cutter you like – mini gingerbread people are perfect for the kids! Both regular and Thermomix instructions are included.

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I’ve been making Gingerbread for a few years now, and it really is one of my favourite Christmas recipes – along with my easy Shortbread recipe of course!!!. Not only does it taste fabulous, but decorating our baked Gingerbread is such a great activity for the boys and one that helps us to really get into the Christmas spirit.

Why you will love this recipe:

  • Easy to prepare – a great recipe to make with the kids!
  • Perfect for decorating – you can also use this recipe to make a Gingerbread house.
  • Freezer Friendly – both the dough and the cooked biscuits can be frozen
  • Versatile – you can use any type of biscuit cutter for this recipe, just be aware the cooking time will vary.
  • Homemade Gift – these Gingerbread biscuits make a great homemade gift for family, friends and teachers and are perfect in Christmas Hampers.
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Gingerbread Ingredients:

Please note you will find the full list of ingredients and method below:

  • Plain Flour – you can also use gluten free flour for this recipe, however the consistency will be slightly different.
  • Golden Syrup – rice malt syrup can also be used however the biscuits will not be quite as sweet.
  • Brown Sugar – you can also use dark brown sugar which will give you a chewier biscuit. Please note caster sugar should not be used for this recipe.
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How to Make Gingerbread:

Step 1. Place the butter, golden syrup, brown sugar and spices into a saucepan (or Thermomix if using) and cook until melted.

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Step 2. Add the egg, bicarbonate of soda and flour and mix to combine.

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Step 3. Turn onto your bench and lightly knead until a smooth ball develops. Cover the dough with cling wrap and place into the fridge to chill

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3. Roll the dough out.

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Step 4. Use a cutter to make your shape.

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Step 5. Transfer the gingerbread shapes to a lined baking tray.

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Step 6. Bake until golden.

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Tips for Making My Easy Gingerbread Recipe:

  • You can make this dough a couple of days in advance. Store the dough in the fridge and then let it sit at room temperature until it’s reached a consistency that allows it to be rolled our.
  • Both the dough and the cooked biscuits are freezer friendly.
  • You can also use other shape/different sized cookie cutters for this recipe, please note the cooking time will vary.
  • If making small Gingerbread pieces, I suggest checking after 5 minutes of cooking time.
  • To help give the top of the Gingerbread a nice flat finish, I place a sheet of baking paper between the dough and rolling pin.
  • I also find using a metal egg flip the easiest way to easily transfer the Gingerbread from the bench to baking tray.
  • Once cooked these biscuits are best stored in an airtight container in a dark, cool place (eg pantry) for up to two weeks.

Watch How I Make This Gingerbread Recipe below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze Gingerbread?

Both the dough and cooked biscuits can be frozen for up to two months.

Why do you have Gingerbread at Christmas?

Gingerbread began to be associated with Christmas back in the 1700’s. This simple and delicious biscuit can still be enjoyed all year round.

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You can find more easy Christmas recipes here:

  • Easy 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe
  • Easy Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
  • Classic Trifle Recipe
  • Easy Pavlova Recipe
  • Christmas Cake Recipe
  • Easy Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
  • White Christmas Slice | A Melt and Mix Recipe
  • The Best Easy Christmas Biscuit Recipes
  • Classic Christmas Recipes
  • No Bake Christmas Recipes
  • The BEST Christmas Cut Out Biscuit Recipe
  • Vanilla Christmas Cupcakes
  • Fruit Mince Pies

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (12)

Easy Gingerbread Recipe

This is the BEST easy Gingerbread recipe you will ever make and it’s so good you will want to make it all year round and not just as Christmas – I promise!! Thermomix instructions are also included.

4.49 from 56 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Snacks

Cuisine Modern

Servings 24 Biscuits

Calories 104 kcal

Equipment

  • Cookie cutter

  • Rolling Pin

  • 2 x Baking Trays

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup golden syrup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar 55 grams
  • 1 & ½ tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 125 grams butter – chopped into cubes
  • 1 egg
  • 2 & ¼ cups plain flour 335 grams

Instructions

  • In a small heatproof bowl, combine the golden syrup, sugar and spices and place over a saucepan of boiling water. When the sugar has dissolved, stir through the bicarb soda and remove from the heat when the mixture begins to bubble.

  • Transfer to a large bowl and stir through the chopped butter.

  • Add the egg and 1 cup of sifted flour and stir with a knife to combine. Add the remaining flour and continue to mix with a butter knife until a dough forms.

  • Turn the dough onto a floured bench and lightly knead until it’s smooth and soft. Divide into two halves and cover with cling wrap before popping into the fridge for 30 minutes.

  • Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced) and line two trays with baking paper.

  • Remove dough from the fridge and roll each portion between two sheets of baking paper until approximately 5mm thick. Use cutters of your choice to cut out shapes and place on baking trays. Bake for approximately 9 – 11 minutes – please note baking times will vary depending on the size of the cutter used.

  • Allow the gingerbread to completely cool before decorating if you wish or transfer to an airtight container.

Thermomix Instructions

  • Place the golden syrup, sugar, butter and spices into your Thermomix bowl and cook for 5 minutes at 50 degrees on speed 2.

  • Add the egg and mix for 3 seconds on speed 3.

  • Add the flour and bicarbonate of soda and mix for 10 seconds on speed 5 or until combined.

  • Knead for 2 minutes before turning the dough out onto your Thermomat and lightly knead to form a ball.

  • Flatten the dough into a disc, cover with cling wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes

  • Roll the Gingerbread dough between two sheets of baking paper until approximately 5mm thick. Use cutters of your choice to cut out shapes and place on baking trays. Bake for approximately 9 – 11 minutes – please note baking times will vary depending on the size of the cutter used.

  • Allow the gingerbread to cool and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • You can make this dough a couple of days in advance. Store the dough in the fridge and then let it sit at room temperature until it’s reached a consistency that allows it to be rolled our.
  • Both the dough and the cooked biscuits are freezer friendly.
  • You can also use other shape/different sized cookie cutters for this recipe, please note the cooking time will vary.
  • If making small Gingerbread pieces, I suggest checking after 5 minutes of cooking time.
  • To help give the top of the Gingerbread a nice flat finish, I place a sheet of baking paper between the dough and rolling pin.
  • I also find using a metal egg flip the easiest way to easily transfer the Gingerbread from the bench to baking tray.
  • Once cooked these biscuits are best stored in an airtight container in a dark, cool place (eg pantry) for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 0gCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 86mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 140IUCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Christmas Recipes, Gingerbread, Thermomix Gingerbread Recipe

Tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and tag me on Instagram! Mention @createbakemake or tag #createbakemake!

Looking for even more?

We also have a variety of Christmas recipes in our print and eBooks – shop the range here.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (13)

« No Bake Malteser Slice

Easy Pavlova Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa

    Can I use gluten free flour for gingerbread?

    Reply

    • Lauren Matheson

      Hi Melissa, yes you can 🙂

      Reply

  2. Kathy wilson

    What is bicarbonate soda? Baking soda? Also what is golden syrup?

    Reply

    • Lauren Matheson

      Hi Kathy, yes I believe they are the same thing 🙂 Golden Syrup has a similar (but thicker consistency) to maple syrup.

      Reply

      • Bonnie

        Is the egg all that necessary? I don’t have any and I’m wondering if I can get away without them as there’s a fair bit of butter and golden syrup to help bind it together..

      • Lauren Matheson

        I haven’t tried it without the eggs I’m sorry

  3. Deborah

    I absolutely love this recipe. I made Christmas tree’s, they looked and tasted great.. Thank you.

    Reply

  4. Christine Camilleri

    Does it make sense to freeze them ahead of time?

    Reply

    • Lauren Matheson

      You certainly can if you would like to. I would freeze the dough though and then bake when needed x

      Reply

  5. Leah

    How sticky should the dough be when done….Mine is too sticky to handle haha

    Reply

    • Lauren Matheson

      Hi Leah, it’s going to be really sticky (especially if it’s hot) but after it’s been in the fridge it will be easy to roll x

      Reply

  6. Cathy

    How long with this keep fresh?

    Reply

    • Lauren

      I’ve kept them up to two weeks in an airtight container 🙂

      Reply

      • Teresa

        Lauren
        Is this gingerbread the hard type or the soft type,would it stand the structure of a gingerbread house and all the lollies??
        Teresa

      • Lauren

        Hi Teresa, This is a softer style of gingerbread I’m sorry 🙂

Leave a Reply

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the three types of gingerbread? ›

The three distinct types of gingerbread are brown gingerbread, wafer-based gingerbread and honey gingerbread.
  • BROWN GINGERBREAD.
  • WAFER GINGERBREAD.
  • HONEY GINGERBREAD.

What makes gingerbread so strong? ›

A 1:4 ratio of butter to flour makes the gingerbread strong. Corn syrup keeps freshly baked gingerbread pliable and soft, so it's easy to cut while warm. Rolling the dough directly on parchment makes it easy to transfer to the pan.

What is the best gingerbread in the world? ›

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop | The World's Best Gingerbread. Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread® in 1854 in the English Lake District village from where it gets its name.

What is a good substitute for gingerbread? ›

Almost any kind of sturdy cookie dough will work. Gingerbread is only one type of dough, and it's popular for houses and other decorations because it is a traditional holiday treat. But you can make sugar cookie dough, chocolate cookie dough, pretty much any stiff, rollable dough.

What makes gingerbread hard or soft? ›

Molasses and honey hardens gingerbread, but as the sugar absorbs moisture, it will get softer.” Cookbook author and ”Great American Baking Show” winner Vallery Lomas likes a gingerbread cookie that's packed with flavor. “I want to taste a lot of the spices ― especially ginger,” she said.

What makes gingerbread taste like gingerbread? ›

Spice Combinations

Some other common spices used in gingerbread recipes are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and allspice. Cinnamon is available in ground form and in a stick. For baking, you should use ground cinnamon. Nutmeg adds a nutty, sweet spiciness to gingerbread.

Should gingerbread be soft or crunchy? ›

Gingerbread cookies should be soft. They should be supple. They should bend to your teeth before the cookie skin breaks and the crumbs fall all over you. They should retain a bit of elasticity, and maybe you can even leave your fingerprints on the cookie if you hold them too hard because you're just that excited.

Should you refrigerate gingerbread dough? ›

Chilling it for at least two hours or overnight gives the ingredients a chance to absorb one another, making it a whole lot easier to roll out the dough without it cracking. Follow this tip: Let the dough chill in the refrigerator, well-wrapped, for at least two hours or overnight before rolling it out.

Why is gingerbread healthy? ›

Surprising benefits

Research shows it may aid in digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the common cold and flu. It's also believed ginger may support weight management, help manage arthritis and may also alleviate menstrual symptoms. Molasses is another ingredient sometimes found in gingerbread.

What town is famous for gingerbread? ›

One hundred years later, the town of Market Drayton in Shropshire became known for its gingerbread, as is displayed on their town's welcome sign, stating that it is the "home of gingerbread".

What city is known for gingerbread? ›

TORUN, Poland — This medieval city on the banks of the Vistula River is known for two things: astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and gingerbread cookies.

What country is famous for gingerbread? ›

Today, the ultimate Christmas gingerbread incarnation is of course the gingerbread house. It has been suggested that these edible structures originated in Germany between the 16th and 18th centuries. The trend for gingerbread houses must have spread to Britain at some point during the nineteenth century.

What are gingerbread men called now? ›

Some bakeries are now calling gingerbread men by the gender neutral term “gingerbread people.” Do you agree with the change? I couldn't care less if they called them “gingerbread cookies.” Originally Answered: Some Bakeries are now calling Gingerbread men by the gender fluid title Gingerbread people.

Is shortening or butter better for gingerbread? ›

If you prefer butter to shortening, recognize that a gingerbread boy cookie made with Crisco or shortening will be higher and lighter than a gingerbread boy cookie made with butter which will be flatter and crispier.

Does Betty Crocker make a gingerbread mix? ›

Pressed for time? Pick up a box of Betty Crocker® gingerbread cake and cookie mix.

What is Victorian gingerbread? ›

gingerbread, in architecture and design, elaborately detailed embellishment, either lavish or superfluous. Although the term is occasionally applied to highly detailed and decorative styles, it is more often applied specifically to the work of American designers of the late 1860s and '70s.

What is the original version of the gingerbread man? ›

The American version first appeared in the May 1875 issue of St. Nicholas Magazine. The story tells of a Gingerbread Man who runs away from the old woman who baked him. He is chased by several people and animals.

What are the flavors in gingerbread? ›

The general term of gingerbread is used to describe the broad category of baked goods which are flavoured with the spice blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, anise and molasses/honey.

What is the original gingerbread man? ›

1875 story

In the 1875 St. Nicholas tale, a childless old woman bakes a gingerbread man, who leaps from her oven and runs away. The woman and her husband give chase, but are unable to catch him. The gingerbread man then outruns several farm workers, farm men, and farm animals.

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