Gingerbread boxes

Step 1

Use an electric beater to beat the butter, brown sugar, caster sugar and treacle in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour, ginger, cinnamon and bicarbonate of soda until a soft dough forms, adding a little extra flour if necessary. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 20 minutes or until slightly firm.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 3 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Roll out half the dough between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper until 4mm thick. Cut fifteen 8cm squares from the dough, re-rolling as necessary. Bake on the prepared trays for 10-12 minutes or until light brown. Set aside on trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 3

Reserve 5 gingerbread squares for the bases. Use a pastry brush to paint a thin layer of chocolate over the back of the remaining squares. Set aside until set.

Step 4

Beat the egg white in a bowl until foamy. Gradually beat in icing sugar For a gift to eat, box and all, make the season’s classic spice-scented sweet into a parcel filled with goodies. and lemon juice until a firm icing forms (if it's too runny, add more sugar).

Step 5

Transfer icing to a piping bag fitted with a 2mm plain nozzle. Decorate the gingerbread squares with icing and cachous for the sides and lids. Set aside for 6 hours or overnight until set.

Step 6

Re-melt the remaining chocolate and spoon into a piping bag fitted with a 5mm nozzle. Place 1 reserved gingerbread base on a clean work surface. Use chocolate to join 2 sides to base. Stand in corner of a square cake pan until set. Repeat to join remaining 2 sides. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread squares and chocolate. Fill each box with chocolates. Top with lids.