Tis the season to eat lots of gingerbread

Gingerbread is a festive favourite, perfect for cosy nights in with flatmates. Here are three easy, delicious gingerbread recipes that are affordable and ideal for cooking up in your student flat.

1. Classic gingerbread biscuits

These gingerbread biscuits are perfect for decorating and sharing. Make them festive by adding icing and sprinkles!

Ingredients (Makes about 20 biscuits):

• 350g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 125g unsalted butter
• 175g light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 tbsp golden syrup

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
3. Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in the sugar, then add the egg and golden syrup. Mix until it forms a dough.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5mm thick, then cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place the shapes on the baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let them cool completely before decorating with icing and any toppings you like.

Tip: These biscuits make great gifts or decorations, too!

2. Gingerbread pancakes

Soft and fluffy, these gingerbread pancakes are a fun twist on the classic breakfast and perfect for a weekend treat with flatmates.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 200g plain flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 250ml milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp golden syrup

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and golden syrup until combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil if necessary.
5. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

Tip: These pancakes can be frozen and reheated for a quick breakfast during the week.

3. Gingerbread mug cake

If you’re craving gingerbread but don’t want to make a full batch, this mug cake is the perfect solution! Quick, easy, and made right in the microwave.

Ingredients (Makes 1 mug cake)

• 4 tbsp plain flour
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp golden syrup or molasses

Method

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and golden syrup, then stir until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until the cake has risen and set (cooking times may vary depending on your microwave).
4. Let it cool slightly, then enjoy directly from the mug. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon.

Tip: This is a great single-serving dessert for a quick gingerbread fix!

These gingerbread-based recipes are ideal for students who want to enjoy festive flavours without a huge time commitment. Enjoy!