Baked gingerbread men leaning up against golden syrup tin
Tips & Tricks for our Gingerbread recipe

Who knew a biscuit could have so much history? In this article, discover the legend of gingerbread and an easy gingerbread recipe (featuring our world-famous Lyle’s Golden Syrup) to have a go at. Plus, discover some handy tips and tricks to help you make the very best gingerbread biscuits. 

History of gingerbread: 6 fun facts about this glorious, spiced treat

#1 – 11th Century England: where the journey began

Ginger was first introduced to the UK by crusaders in the 11th century after their adventures around the world, it was originally used by chefs of very rich households until it became more readily available to the wider public.  

#2 – A delicious fairground treat

Gingerbread biscuits called fairings were a very popular treat sold at fairs in England – it was thought to be good luck to eat gingerbread brought  at a fair!

#3 – An unlikely royal invention

The invention of gingerbread men dates all the way back to Queen Elizabeth I; it’s believed that she instructed her cooks to shape and decorate gingerbread to look like her VIP guests.

#4 – The ultimate matchmaker 

Love is in the air – well, it is when you eat gingerbread!

An old wives’ tale led people to believe that if single women ate gingerbread men, they would find a husband.

#5 – A festive tradition is born 

Gingerbread houses were introduced in 16ᵗʰ century Germany, the wintery designs and decoration meant that they quickly became a Christmas tradition. 

#6 – Nuremberg: the gingerbread capital of the world

A city in Germany called Nuremberg was crowned the gingerbread capital of the world in the 1600s and it still holds that title today.

Tips on how to make stunning gingerbread

Enough of the past, let’s focus on the present! Take a look at these tips and tricks to help you make the best gingerbread. 

Don’t overwork the dough

Gingerbread is supposed to have crisp edges and a soft centre, overworking the dough will make them tough –  and nobody wants that! 

Let the dough cool off 

Chill your dough in the fridge before you roll it out, this relaxes the gluten in the dough and makes it easier to handle.

Avoid a sticky situation

Save yourself from peeling gingerbread dough off your rolling pin or work surface – roll the dough between two sheets of baking paper. 

Make sure your oven is at the right temperature

The sugar and golden syrup in your gingerbread make it more likely to burn in high oven temperatures, so be sure to use the temperatures specified in the recipe.

Cut out your shapes with ease 

Dip your gingerbread cutters into flour, this prevents your cut-out shapes from sticking to your cutters.  

Keep your cut-out shapes neat and tidy

To stop your cut-out shapes from distorting when you move them from your work surface to your baking tray, roll your dough on a sheet of baking paper, cut out your shapes, remove the excess dough and simply slide the baking paper onto your oven tray. 

Add some colour to your gingerbread creations

Get creative when you decorate your gingerbread – add some liquid food colouring to your icing to make your biscuits pop!

Freeze the dough

You can pre-make your gingerbread dough and freeze it for up to a month. So, if ever you fancy some gingerbread, all you need to do is get it out of the freezer, defrost and bake!

Spice up your bakes

Why not add extra flavour to your other bakes? You can use your gingerbread to spice up your rocky road or elevate your cheesecake base.
 

What are you waiting for? It's time to get baking!
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Baked gingerbread men leaning up against golden syrup tin

Use these tips to create your very own gingerbread creations. Gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, or any other construction; our easy gingerbread recipe can be used to make whatever you like – and the addition of our famous Lyle’s Golden syrup makes this recipe even better! 

Check out our recipe >

 

Grab your secret weapon

There you have it – that’s everything you need to know about gingerbread. Now it’s time to grab your Lyle’s Golden Syrup, roll your sleeves up, and get baking!

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