Gingerbread Men

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush 2 baking trays with melted butter to lightly grease.
2. 2
   Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy.
3. 3
   Add the golden syrup and egg yolk and beat until combined.
4. 4
   Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda.
5. 5
   Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest
6. 6
   Meanwhile, place egg white in a clean, dry bowl. Use an electric beater to beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing among 3 bowls. Cover 1 bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge. Add red colouring to 1 bowl and stir until combined. Add green colouring to remaining bowl and stir until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge.
7. 7
   Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use a 9cm gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough.
8. 8
   Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool.
9. 9
   You may like to decorate your little men with raisins, currants and candies for eyes and buttons. You can also skewer a hole in the tops if you want to hang them as decorations at Christmas time!