Easy Gingerbread Recipe (2024)

Create Bake Make / Biscuits and Cookies / Easy Gingerbread Recipe

Published: · Modified: by Lauren Matheson ·

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (1)

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.
Easy Gingerbread Recipe (2)

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.
Easy Gingerbread Recipe (3)

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.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (4)

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

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (5)

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

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (6)

3. Roll the dough out.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (7)

Step 4. Use a cutter to make your shape.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (8)

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

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (9)

Step 6. Bake until golden.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (10)

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.

Easy Gingerbread Recipe (11)

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 makes gingerbread hard or soft? ›

Some gingerbread recipes require some time to soften after baking because they are initially firm. Gingerbread is made harder by molasses and honey, but it becomes softer when water is absorbed by the sugar.

How to make gingerbread harder? ›

A 1:4 ratio of butter to flour makes the gingerbread strong.

How do I stop my gingerbread cookies from spreading? ›

If your cookies spread thin, it's because the fat in the dough starts to melt before the dough begins to bake. There are two fixes: First, add a bit more flour in the mix— maybe ¼ or ½ cup. Second, refrigerate the dough and put it in the oven cold.

Why is my gingerbread falling apart? ›

From doubling up on molasses to using too much flour, there is a lot that can go wrong. Forgetting the molasses resulted in a crumbly cookie that was light in color. Combining all ingredients at once created lumps in the finished product.

Why did my gingerbread cookies come out hard? ›

“There are some gingerbread recipes that are hard right after baking and need to sit for a few days to soften. Molasses and honey hardens gingerbread, but as the sugar absorbs moisture, it will get softer.”

How do you thicken gingerbread mix? ›

Mix about half your icing sugar with enough water so that it has a loose, gloopy texture. Add more icing sugar to thicken it until it will flow, but only just.

How to stop gingerbread from going soft? ›

Comments for gingerbread for houses getting too soft

My suggestion would be to bake them again in a low temperature oven to dry them out. I would start at 250 or 275 F. for about 40 min. Remember, when it cools it hardens.

How do I know when gingerbread cookies are done? ›

Gingerbread Cookies are done when they are set and begin to brown slightly at the edges. They will harden further as they cool, so avoid overbaking so you don't end up with hard, crunchy gingerbread! Underbake slightly to achieve soft, slightly chewy gingerbread cookies.

How long will homemade gingerbread keep? ›

It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days and you can freeze it too, so you can make it ahead of time. Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C fan-forced. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Once cooled, decorate your gingerbread with icing, lollies and Christmas decorations.

What is the best ingredient to keep gingerbread houses from falling apart? ›

She recommends using granulated sugar instead of royal icing to hold the walls together. How? Just melt the sugar in a pan over low heat. You want to allow it to turn brown, but make sure not to burn it (otherwise it won't taste so great).

How do you firm up gingerbread dough? ›

Transfer the dough, still between the two pieces of parchment paper, to a sheet pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the dough to firm up, and up to three days ahead.

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 my gingerbread crunchy? ›

Keep in mind that the longer the cookies bake, the harder and crunchier they'll be. For soft gingerbread cookies, follow my suggested bake times. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet.

Why is my gingerbread house soft? ›

Let it dry

“Most gingerbread disasters, collapses, and frustrations happen because the icing hasn't had an adequate amount of time to dry.

Should gingerbread men be soft or crunchy? ›

Follow this tip: Use a combination of both molasses and dark brown sugar in your gingerbread cookie dough to ensure that they'll be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6474

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.