Cooking together with kids is a great way to spend time together, and help them develop some vital life skills while having fun. Today we have a gingerbread people recipe, from the book Kids Can Cook by Esther Coombs. Gingerbread people are such a simple treat to make, and kids love the results especially as you can get creative while decorating them. You can make gingerbread men, gingerbread women, or whatever style you prefer.
Gingerbread People recipe
Ingredients
75g unsalted butter, softened
100g light soft brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
3 tbsp golden syrup
300g plain flour, sifted, plus
extra for rolling out
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
pinch of salt
2 tbsp orange juice
writing icing, to decorate
Makes about 14
Method
1 Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl with a wooden spoon or whisk with an electric whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in the beaten egg and the golden syrup.
2 Add the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and salt. Stir in the orange juice a little at a time until a dough forms (you may not need all of it).
3 Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth (see page 7). Cover in plastic wrap and leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4 Heat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
5 Roll out the dough to about 5mm thick on a lightly floured work surface (see page 7). Cut out the gingerbread people using cutters and place on the baking trays, leaving gaps between them so they have room to spread out.
6 Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes to firm up, then use a palette knife or fish slice to transfer them carefully to a cooling rack.
7 When cool, decorate with the writing icing.
Tip
Dip the edges of cookie cutters in flour to stop them from sticking to the dough.
Kids Can Cook by Esther Coombs, published by Button Books, RRP £12.99, available online and from all good bookshops.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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