Super Easy Gingerbread Recipe

The easiest gingerbread recipe ever... perfect for making gingerbread men and Christmas shapes to decorate with the kids!

It's the time of the year to get excited about baking ALL of the yummiest Christmas recipes! From Christmas cookies to Christmas cake, reindeer brownies to Christmas fudge and rocky road... this really is the sweetest time of the year!

Why You're Going To Love This Basic Gingerbread Recipe

This is such a simple (and fool-proof!) gingerbread recipe that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. 

Here's why it's going to become your go-to gingerbread recipe:

• the perfect recipe to make with the kids - plus they'll love decorating the gingerbread men and shapes with icing and M&Ms.
• results in soft and subtly ginger flavoured cookies that everyone loves.
• can be made using either hand-held beaters, a stand-mixer or a Thermomix.
• made with basic ingredients - this recipe won't break the bank!
• 5 star recipe ratings - this gingerbread recipe is loved by all our readers.

What You Need

This super easy gingerbread recipe is made using just a handful of pantry and fridge staples (that you probably already have at home!):

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

• butter - if using salted butter, omit the extra pinch of salt in the ingredients.
• brown sugar - you can use either light or dark brown sugar for this recipe. I generally choose light brown sugar as it results in a lovely sweet biscuit that isn't too rich in flavour.
• golden syrup - this is a very common baking ingredient in Australia. If you're unable to buy golden syrup then you can substitute it for corn syrup or maple syrup.
• egg yolk - using just the egg yolk (rather than the whole egg) helps to emulsify the mixture together making the perfect gingerbread cookie mixture!
• plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour
• mixed spice - this can be bought in the spices section of any major supermarket. It contains a blend of mainly cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and can include other spices such as ginger, cloves, coriander, and mace.
• ground ginger - this spice gives the gingerbread it's classic ginger flavour. I use just 1 tablespoon of ground ginger which gives a light subtle ginger flavour. You can increase the amount if you prefer.
• bi-carbonate of soda - also known as baking soda.
• pinch of salt - omit if using salted butter.

Making The Dough

It takes just 20 minutes to prepare this simple gingerbread dough using either hand-help beaters, a stand-mixer or a Thermomix.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

Step 1 - Cream The Butter And Sugar

Beat the cream and butter until pale and creamy.

Step 2 - Add The Golden Syrup And Egg Yolk

Beat through until combined and creamy.

Step 3 - Sift In The Dry Ingredients

Stir through the sifted plain flour, mixed spice, ground ginger, bi-carbonate

of soda and a pinch of salt. 

Step 4 - Form Into A Ball

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead into a ball.

Step 5 - Chill The Dough

Wrap in cling wrap and place into the fridge for 1 hour.

This important step ensures that the gingerbread cookies hold their shape when baked.

Step 6 - Roll Out The Dough, Cut And Bake

Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 3-4mm thick.

Use your choice of cutters (gingerbread man, Christmas tree, stars etc) to cut out shapes. 

Chilling The Dough

I recommend rolling the dough into a ball, wrapping in plastic wrap and chilling in the fridge for 1 hour.

Chilling the dough is important for several reasons:

• chilling allows the flavours in the dough to develop
• it makes it easier to roll the dough out without it cracking
• while chilling, the fat from the butter will solidify meaning that it will slowly melt when baked... leaving you with perfectly shaped gingerbread that don't spread too much!

You can chill the dough for longer than 1 hour if you like - even overnight is absolutely fine!

How To Store Gingerbread 

Once the cookies are baked, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. 

How To Freeze Gingerbread Dough

If you would like to prepare the gingerbread ahead of time, make the dough, roll it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and place into the freezer for up to 1 month.

Allow the dough to defrost in the fridge before rolling it out and baking. 

FAQ

Can this recipe be used to make gingerbread men as well as cut out shapes?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making soft gingerbread men and other shapes. 

My kids don't like ginger... does this recipe taste really gingery?

No it doesn't! It has a subtle ginger flavour that's perfect for kids. You can always increase or decrease the amount of ginger used if you prefer!

Can I use maple syrup instead of golden syrup in gingerbread?

Sure! You can substitute the golden syrup for corn syrup or maple syrup. 

Is this recipe easy enough for my kids to make?

Yes! An adult will need to assist with creaming the butter and sugar with electric beaters or a stand mixer, as well as baking the cookies in the oven. But otherwise, this is a perfect recipe for kids to make and decorate!

How can I stop my dough from being sticky?

Chilling the dough is the key here! By chilling the dough, the fat from the butter will have solidified, making it firmer and easier to roll out. 

More Christmas Recipes For Kids

Whether you've got a budding little chef at home, or you're after a fun holiday activity, these kid-friendly Christmas recipes are perfect to make with the kids! From rocky road wreaths to reindeer brownies, chocolate Christmas houses, reindeer noses and more!

Click here for our Kids Christmas Recipes Collection

Thermomix Christmas Cookbook

PS. If you have a Thermomix, take a peak at our Thermomix Christmas Cookbook... it's a packed full of delicious Christmas recipes!!!

WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel.