why make this recipe
Skeleton gingerbread men are a fun twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. They are perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering. Kids and adults alike enjoy decorating them, and they make a great treat to share. Plus, the warm spices make your kitchen smell amazing!
how to make Skeleton gingerbread men
Ingredients:
- 300g plain flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 125g butter
- 100g soft dark brown or dark muscovado sugar
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 2 tbsp black treacle
- 100g royal icing, to decorate
- black edible food colour pen or black writing icing (optional)
Directions:
- Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
- In a bowl, mix the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
- In a pan, put the butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle. Heat gently until everything is melted.
- Pour the melted mixture into the flour mix and combine it to form a dough. If the dough is too stiff, add a drop of water to help it come together.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ½cm thick.
- Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes. Gather up any offcuts, reroll, and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.
- Place the cutouts onto baking sheets lined with baking paper and bake for 12-14 minutes until they are dark golden brown. Let them cool completely.
- To decorate, put the royal icing in a bowl and mix with water (about 1-2 tbsp) until the icing is like toothpaste.
- Use a piping bag with a thin nozzle to pipe skeleton outlines on the biscuits. Let the icing set, then you can add faces with a black edible pen or writing icing if you wish.
- These treats will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you’re taking them to a party, place baking paper between the layers to protect the icing.
how to serve Skeleton gingerbread men
Serve Skeleton gingerbread men on a fun plate for a festive touch. You could also make a display by standing them up if you want to impress your guests. They are perfect for sharing at parties or giving as gifts.
how to store Skeleton gingerbread men
Store the Skeleton gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies before decorating.
tips to make Skeleton gingerbread men
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- If you’re making these with kids, let them help with decorating! It can be a fun activity.
- Adjust the spices to your taste; add more ginger or cinnamon if you like stronger flavors.
variation
Try adding other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor. You could also dip them in chocolate instead of icing for a yummy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use different shapes instead of gingerbread men?
Yes! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like. Just adjust baking time if the sizes differ.
2. What can I use instead of royal icing?
You can use melted chocolate or store-bought icing if you prefer.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
