Gingerbread Cookies

These refined sugar-free gingerbread men make great Christmas gifts and are a much healthier alternative to store bought cookies or candy canes during the festive season.

Prep time: 1hr 20mins (including 1 hour refrigeration time)

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

125g butter, softened

1/3 cup coconut sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 egg, lightly beaten

2½ cups wholemeal plain or spelt flour

½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda

1 Tbsp. ground ginger

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. mixed spice

Method:

1. Beat butter and coconut sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and egg. Beat to combine

2. Sift flour, bicarb soda and spices over butter mixture. Stir/mix until just combined and a soft dough forms. Place dough on lightly floured surface and kneed gentley until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour

3. Preheat oven to 180C/160C Fan-forced. Line 3 baking trays.

4. Roll dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Use cookie cutter to cut shapes from dough. Place 2cm apart on baking tray

5. Bake for 15-20mins until firm to touch