If your kids love the idea of gingerbread but not the fiery spice, this Not-So-Gingery Gingerbread recipe is for you! These cookies are sweet, buttery, and gently spiced — the perfect Christmas bake for little ones who prefer a milder flavour.
They hold their shape beautifully for gingerbread men, reindeer, or even Christmas tree decorations — and they’re sturdy enough for icing fun too!
🍪 Ingredients
- 350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 125g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 175g brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp golden syrup (or mild molasses)
🧁 Method
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy (use a mixer or wooden spoon). Add the egg and golden syrup, then mix until smooth.
3. Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll dough to about 5mm thick. Cut out shapes using gingerbread man or reindeer cutters.
5. Bake
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking trays and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 8–10 minutes, depending on size.
They should be golden brown but still soft in the centre.
6. Cool and Decorate
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating with Royal Icing or melted chocolate.
🎨 Decorating Ideas
- Use royal icing (made with egg whites and lemon juice) for classic detail.
- Add sprinkles or chocolate buttons while the icing is still wet.
- For a fun twist, make reindeer faces with red Smarties and pretzel “antlers.”
- You can even turn them into tree ornaments — just poke a small hole before baking and thread a ribbon through once cool!
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freeze unbaked dough (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months — perfect for early Christmas prep!
- To make ahead for school fairs or classroom parties, bake and freeze undecorated cookies, then defrost and decorate later.
🌿 Variations
Extra spice: Add more ginger or a pinch of clove for adults who like more warmth.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Vegan: Swap butter for a plant-based block and use a flaxseed “egg.”
Whilst you have the ginger out,w hy not have a go at making this fun gingerbread playdough.
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