Ginger Bread

Ingredients

For the dough:

• Melted butter, for greasing
• 125g unsalted butter, softened (room temp is key!)
• 100g brown sugar, firmly packed (½ cup)
• 60ml golden syrup (¼ cup) (or honey if you're feelin' wild)
• 1 egg yolk
• 375g plain flour (2½ cups), plus extra for dusting
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp mixed spice (think cinnamon, nutmeg, clove – or grab a pre-mix)
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (Coles or otherwise, it’s the fizz-maker)

For the icing:

• 1 egg white
• 150g pure icing sugar, sifted (1 cup)

Method

• Grease baking trays lightly with melted butter or line with baking paper.
• Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Think light and dreamy – this is your flavor base!

• Mix in the golden syrup and egg yolk until smooth and caramel-colored.
• Sift together the flour, ginger, mixed spice, and bicarb soda, then stir into the wet mixture. You may need to get in there with your hands – it’s a crumbly dough that comes together with persuasion.

• Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Lightly flour your surface, roll out the dough to about 5mm (¼ inch) thick, and cut into your fave shapes.
• Place on trays with a bit of space between each. Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness. Watch for golden-brown edges – that's your “I’m ready!” signal.

• Let cookies cool completely before icing (or it’ll be a melty mess).
• For the icing, whisk the egg white until frothy, then gradually add icing sugar, beating until smooth and slightly thick. Pipe or drizzle as your inner artist desires.

💡 Tips & Twists

• Dry dough? Add another egg yolk – it'll bring moisture and richness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of black pepper for a warm kick, or a dash of vanilla for extra depth.
• Make ahead: Dough freezes well – just thaw in the fridge before rolling.
• Decorate like a pro: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the icing for a zesty contrast.

🧁 Mood: