These classic gingerbread men are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for kids to enjoy. The dough is simple to handle and can be re-rolled without any trouble. With a warm, spiced flavour and a crisp texture, they make a delightful homemade treat for any occasion!
This Gingerbread Men Recipe Is From Mary Berry’s Baking Bible Cookbook.
Ingredients Needed
- 350g (2¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 115g (½ cup) salted butter
- 175g (¾ cup + 3 tbsp) light muscovado sugar
- 4 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup
- 1 extra-large egg, beaten
- Currants, for decoration
How To Make Mary Berry Gingerbread Men
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and ginger. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, then add the golden syrup and beaten egg. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms, kneading lightly at the end.
- Roll and cut the dough: Divide the dough in half and lightly flour a work surface. Roll out one portion to about ¼ inch thick. Use a gingerbread man cutter (around 5½ inches) to cut out shapes, then place them on greased baking sheets. Decorate with currants for eyes and buttons. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling as needed.
- Bake the gingerbread men: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 10–12 minutes until they turn a slightly darker shade. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Tips
- Prevent spreading: Chill the cut-out dough shapes in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Crispier texture: Bake for an extra minute if you prefer crunchier gingerbread men.
- Decorating ideas: Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for a festive touch.
How To Store Gingerbread Men
Storing at Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked gingerbread dough wrapped tightly in cling film for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Gingerbread Man)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fibre: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Doughnuts
- Mary Berry Classic Sticky Gingerbread
- Mary Berry Gingerbread Traybake
- Mary Berry Granny’s Gingerbread
Mary Berry Gingerbread Men
Course: DessertsCuisine: UK20
gingerbread men15
minutes20
minutes140
kcalThese classic gingerbread men are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for kids to enjoy. The dough is simple to handle and can be re-rolled without any trouble. With a warm, spiced flavour and a crisp texture, they make a delightful homemade treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
350g (2¾ cups) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
115g (½ cup) salted butter
175g (¾ cup + 3 tbsp) light muscovado sugar
4 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Currants, for decoration
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and ginger. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, then add the golden syrup and beaten egg. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms, kneading lightly at the end.
- Roll and cut the dough: Divide the dough in half and lightly flour a work surface. Roll out one portion to about ¼ inch thick. Use a gingerbread man cutter (around 5½ inches) to cut out shapes, then place them on greased baking sheets. Decorate with currants for eyes and buttons. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling as needed.
- Bake the gingerbread men: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 10–12 minutes until they turn a slightly darker shade. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.