Ingredients
1 egg½ cup / 115g unsalted butter (or alternative), softened6 tbsp maple syrup6 tbsp molasses½ tsp vanilla essence2 1/4 cups whole grain flour 1 tsp cinnamon, ground3 tsp ginger, ground4 cloves, ground½ tsp baking soda½ tsp salt1 tube ready-made icing (for optional piping)
Directions
Pour all the spices into a small bowl.
Using a stand mixer, combine the maple syrup and butter gently, taking care not to make it too runny.
Crack in the egg, add the molasses and the vanilla essence, and mix well.
Add the spices, flour, baking soda, and salt and mix for a further 2 minutes.
Once the dough is ready, remove the bowl from the stand and place it in the fridge for an hour and a half.
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / gas mark 4 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Dust a flat surface with flour and roll the dough out until it reaches your desired cookie thickness.
Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, create gingerbread-man, star, or Christmas-tree shapes.
Transfer to the baking tray and cook for about 8 minutes, until golden brown but not burned.
If desired, decorate further with piped icing before serving.
