Gingerbread men

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 large baking trays. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar using electric beaters until thick. Beat in syrup and yolk, then use a spoon to fold in flour, ginger, spice and soda until a smooth dough. Form into a disc and cover in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Bring dough to room temperature, then divide in Roll out pieces between baking paper to 5mm thick. Use a gingerbread man cutter (we used a 7cm and a 12cm) to cut shapes. Space out on trays (you may need to bake in batches). Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Using a skewer, quickly make 5mm holes at the top of the warm biscuits to thread ribbon. Cool completely on a rack.

Step 3

Stir icing sugar with 2-3 teaspoons warm water to make a stiff icing. Transfer to a piping bag with a small plain nozzle. (Or place mixture in a snap-lock bag, push icing into a corner, then snip off corner). Pipe 3 small dots down each biscuit, then press in cachous and thread ribbon in holes. The biscuits will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.