Following on from the launch of our Make Your Own Gingerbread House Sensory Dough Kit, I couldn't not share the recipe for our ultimate family Christmas tradition, making gingerbread (the edible kind!)

Growing up, I made these biscuits with my mum and little brother every year, and they were my Grandpa's favourite treat. I now make them with my children too, using the same recipe my mum has used for decades. It's actually from a Winnie the Pooh recipe book from her childhood!

It's a simple bake that can give you and your family quality time together while filling your homes with the scent of Christmas.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (or 8 rounded tablespoons) plain flour
• 1 level teaspoon baking powder
• 2 level teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 oz butter or margarine
• 2 oz (or 2 rounded tablespoons) soft brown sugar
• 2 heaped tablespoons golden syrup

‍Instructions

Grease your baking trays, and turn on the oven to a moderate heat (350°F or Gas mark 4).

Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger and cinnamon into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Measure the butter or margarine, brown sugar and golden syrup into a saucepan. Place it over a low heat and stir occasionally until the ingredients have melted and the mixture is runny but not too hot. Take the pan off the heat.

Pour the melted mixture into the flour all at once. Using a wooden spoon, mix to a dough in the basin, then turn out on to a floured working surface and knead lightly until smooth. The dough should be fairly soft and easy to mould. If it seems very soft, allow it to stand for a few moments to firm up.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into your desired shapes (our dough cutter sets are perfect for baking as well as play dough!)

You can press currents into them to add eyes or buttons to your gingerbread man, if desired.

Place the tray in the centre of the oven and bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the tray from the oven using oven gloves and loosen each man carefully with a palate knife. Place on a wire cooling tray and bake the remaining gingerbread men.

Allow to cool... and enjoy!