Countdown to Christmas: Reindeer Gingerbread!

Christmas baking, do you love it or loathe it? I love baking gifts for friends, teachers and neighbours for Christmas! These adorable Christmas reindeer were a hit with Miss 8's friends last year when we gave one out to each of the kids in her class.  We have made our first batch of mini ones this year and I can see at least another batch to come. 

The original gingerbread recipe has been modified from a Donna Hay recipe to have less golden syrup so it is less sticky to handle.  We made 40 small reindeers using the the gingerbread man cookie cutter.  Here are the details.

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Ingredients
125g (4oz) softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup golden syrup
21/2 cups plain flour (sifted)
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

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Equipment
Stand mixer (not essential but helpful!) or electric beaters
Sifter
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Metal spoon
Oven trays
Non-stick baking paper
Cookie cutters (gingerbread man to make reindeers)
Rolling pin (no pictured)

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Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
2. Place the butter into the mixing bowl.
3. Place the sugar into the mixing bowl.
4. Beat the butter and sugar until it is light and creamy.
5. Add the flour.
6. Add the ground ginger.
7. Add the golden syrup
8. Add the bicarbonate of soda.
9. Mix gently until you form a smooth dough.
10. Place the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes.
11. Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper.
12. Use the gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes.  Place these on the lined baking trays.
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all the dough is used up. 
14. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Cool on trays.

To decorate...
Mix one egg white and 1/2 cup icing sugar until combined.  Place in a zip locked bag.  Cut off a small section from the corner for piping.  Pipe on your reindeer face and stick on an M & M.

Tips: 

• Dip your cookie cutter in plain flour before cutting into the dough if you find it too sticky.
  
• Place your icing in the fridge for a little while if you find it too runny.

Your kids will love helping with making reindeer gingerbread.  They look gorgeous and will put a smile on your face.  There are quite a few steps involved so you may want to get the kids to help with certain sections such as the pouring and measuring and of course putting on the M & Ms.

These reindeer gingerbread make a lovely gift! Happy Baking!

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