Gingerbread Men

1.    Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush 2 baking trays with melted butter to lightly grease.

2.    Use an electric beater to beat the butter, sugar and egg in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and vanilla, beat until combined. Stir in the flour, ginger powder, ground cinnamon and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

3.    Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about ½ cm thick. Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough.

4.    Bake in oven for 10 -12 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool.

5.      To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a medium bowl. Gradually add 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of the boiling water and mix until smooth. The icing should be a coating consistency. 

6.    Place the icings in small plastic bags. Cut a small hole in a corner of each bag. Pipe icing over gingerbread men to decorate. Finish with Smarties.