How to make gingerbread

One of the joys of Christmas is having seasonal treats like gingerbread to give out as edible gifts or just to enjoy with the kids or grand-kids. So to get you started, we've put together this easy guide on how to make gingerbread.

What is gingerbread made of?

If you've never made gingerbread before, dip your toe in the water with the tried and tested Basic Gingerbread recipe. It's the base of all these gingerbread treats and has been made so many times, you can be assured of a great result. Happy days!

The basic gingerbread recipe consists of simple pantry ingredients such as salted butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, egg, flour and bicarb.

The traditional spices used are ginger, cinnamon and cloves.

How long does gingerbread last?

To get ahead of the silly season, you can make the Basic Gingerbread dough up to the end of Step 2, but instead of refrigerating the dough, keep dough in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Baked un-iced gingerbread will keep in an airtight container for up to a week. If any moisture is present, the gingerbread will soften.

Gingerbread house with templates

The ultimate Christmas showstopper is the Gingerbread House. This is something the whole family can enjoy decorating. Simply print out the templates to help you on your way, then have fun putting your own stamp on the decorations.

GET THE RECIPE: Gingerbread House by Western Star

Click to download
the printable template
for this Gingerbread House.

Gingerbread Star Tree

If you're looking for a festive table centrepiece, guests will have stars in their eyes when they see your Gingerbread Star Christmas Trees. Decorated in hundreds and thousands, the trees look like they've been sprinkled with rainbow snow.

GET THE RECIPE: Gingerbread Star Trees by Western Star

Click to download
the printable template
for these Star Trees.

Gingerbread Rocky Road

For something fast and fun to make with the kids, you can't go past Gingerbread Rocky Road. Break up baked gingerbread into pieces and mix it with melted dark chocolate, marshmallows and raspberry lollies, then refrigerate until set. Too easy.

GET THE RECIPE: Gingerbread Rocky Road by Western Star