Step 1

Preparation method: Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend. Stir in the sugar. Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and mix. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in clingfilm and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.Icing to decorate: Combine 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon water. Spoon the mixture into a zip-topplastic bag. Snip a very small hole off the corner of the bag.Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Roll the doughout to a 0.5cm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled decorate with the writing icing.