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mary berry gingerbread men

mary berry gingerbread men

These Mary Berry Gingerbread Men are simple to make, smell amazing, and always turn out just right. They’re perfect for holiday baking or just for fun with the kids. I’ve made these so many times, and they never last long in the cookie tin! Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make them every year.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling time 30 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: British
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 230g salted butter
  • 1 cup 225g light muscovado sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
  • 3¼ cups 400g all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • Currants for decorating

Method
 

  1. First, grab a large saucepan. Add the butter, sugar, and golden syrup. Warm it over low heat until everything melts together. Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn.
  2. Take it off the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled, stir in the beaten egg.
  3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and ground ginger. Slowly add the dry mix into the saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a thick dough.
  4. Tip the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it just a bit until it’s smooth. If it’s sticky, add a tiny bit more flour.
  5. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps it roll out better.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes.
  8. Place them on the baking sheet with a little space between each one. Add currants for eyes, buttons, or smiles!
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes before moving to a rack.

Notes

Fun Ways to Involve Kids

Baking Mary Berry Gingerbread Men is one of those kitchen moments where kids can really join in and enjoy themselves. I always let my kids help with the cookie cutters—they love choosing the shapes and pressing them into the dough. You can also set up a little decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and currants. Let them give each gingerbread man a silly face or buttons down the front.
Younger kids can help mix dry ingredients or roll out the dough (with a bit of help). Older ones might enjoy brushing on egg wash or arranging the cookies on the tray. It gets messy, sure—but that’s half the fun! Plus, it keeps them engaged and proud of what they made. I’ve found it’s a great way to bond and make memories, especially around the holidays.