29 Nov Christmas gingerbread trees

A fun Gingerbread Tree to use as a decoration for Christmas or just as an easy activity for older children

*You will need 4 different sized star cookie cutters

cook time

10 minutes preparation
30 minutes-12 hours resting time
15 minutes rolling and cutting dough
10 minutes baking
10 minutes assembly

ingredients

125g butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup golden syrup
2½ cups plain flour
3 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp bicarb soda
1 large star cookie cutter
1 medium star cookie cutter
1 medium-to-small star cookie cutter
1 small star cookie cutter
1½ cups icing sugar
1 egg white

Method

cookies

1     Using an electric mixer beat together sugar & butter on medium speed until light & fluffy.
2     Add golden syrup, flour, ginger, spice and bicarb soda. Mix to form a smooth dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
3     Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan forced). Line two baking trays with baking paper.
4     Roll out dough between two sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Cut out nine large
stars, nine medium-sized stars, six medium-to-small stars and nine small stars, and place on baking trays.
5     Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Set aside to cool.

icing

1     Using an electric mixer, beat egg white and icing sugar until mixture is stiff, adding extra icing sugar if needed.

assembly

1     Use one large star cookie for the base. Top with a little icing and secure a second large star cookie on top with    star pointing at a different angle (see photo). Repeat with another large star cookie.
2     Repeat layers with three medium-sized star cookies and medium-to-small star cookies.
3     End with two of the smallest stars. Place icing at base of remaining small star and stand upright and sprinkle your Gingerbread Tree with icing sugar.