Seasonal bakes

Scent the air with sweetly spiced aromas as you whip up a batch of these festive favourites

- Feature Lucy Whyld

Gingerbread Christmas tree cookies

YOU WILL NEED

✔ 50g light brown soft sugar ✔ 20g golden syrup ✔ ¾ tbsp ground ginger

✔ 2 tsp ground cinnamon ✔ ¼ tsp ground cloves ✔ 60g salted butter

✔ 1¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda ✔ 140g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

✔ white icing, to decorate (optional)

DIRECTIONS

■ In a medium pan, combine the sugar, syrup, spices, butter and 2 tbsp water. Cook over a low-medium heat until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Pour into a bowl and leave for about 30 minutes.

■ When cool, sift and stir in the flour. Flatten the dough into a disc and wrap in parchment. Chill for at least 1 hour.

■ Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment. Roll the dough between 2 sheets of baking parchment until about 4mm thick. Cut out shapes from the dough and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.