Ginger Biscuits

Ginger Biscuits are a classic British treat known for their warm spice and satisfying crunch. These traditional snacks are perfect for dipping into a hot cup of tea on a cold afternoon. You only need a few simple pantry staples to make them at home. The combination of ground ginger and golden syrup creates a deep flavour that everyone will enjoy.
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Why you should try ginger biscuits

Making your own Ginger Biscuits allows you to control the level of spice and sweetness in every bite. This recipe yields a firm texture that is ideal for those who prefer a crunchy biscuit over a soft cookie. They stay fresh for a long time when stored in an airtight container which makes them great for baking ahead. The simple method is easy to follow even for beginners who are new to baking.

How to cook ginger biscuits

Step 1
Prepare dough: Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and golden syrup until everything is well combined. Sift the flour, ground ginger and cinnamon into the bowl and stir to form a firm dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for thirty minutes.
Step 2
Shape biscuits: Preheat your oven to 180C and line a large baking tray with non stick baking paper. Divide the chilled dough into twelve equal pieces and roll them into small round balls using your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared tray leaving enough space between them for the dough to spread. Gently press down on each ball with your palm to flatten them slightly.
Step 3
Bake: Place the baking tray in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for fifteen minutes. The biscuits should turn a dark golden brown and start to smell very aromatic. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they do not burn on the edges. Remove the tray from the oven once they look firm and evenly coloured.
Step 4
Cool: Let the biscuits sit on the hot baking tray for five minutes to allow them to firm up properly. Carefully move them to a wire rack to cool down completely before serving. They will become much crispier as they reach room temperature. Enjoy your homemade ginger biscuits with your favourite hot drink or store them in a tin.

Extra tips for ginger biscuits

Ensure the butter is at room temperature before you start mixing to get a smooth consistency. Using fresh ground ginger will provide the best spice hit for your Ginger Biscuits. If you prefer a very snappy texture you can bake them for an extra two minutes but watch them closely. Do not skip the chilling stage as this prevents the dough from spreading too much in the oven. You can add a little bit of chopped crystallised ginger if you want extra bursts of heat throughout.

Make sure the oven is fully preheated before putting the tray inside to ensure an even bake. Always store the finished biscuits in a dry place to maintain their characteristic crunch.

You can also try these recipes: mussels with cream and bacon, pork belly with apples or red duck curry.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 100 g unsalted butter
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon golden syrup
  • 225 g self raising flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:695 kJ / 166 kcal
  • Fat:7.2 g
  • - of which saturates:4.2 g
  • Carbohydrates:23.9 g
  • - of which sugars:9.7 g
  • Protein:2.3 g
  • Fibre:0.5 g
  • Salt:83 mg

People also ask

Store the Ginger Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature once they have cooled completely. This prevents moisture from getting in and making the biscuits soft. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to two weeks if kept away from direct sunlight.
You can freeze the Ginger Biscuits dough by rolling it into balls and placing them in a freezer bag. When you are ready to bake just place the frozen balls onto a tray and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This is a great way to have fresh biscuits ready whenever you need them.
The combination of golden syrup and the correct baking time gives these biscuits their signature snap. Baking them until they are a deep golden colour ensures the moisture evaporates leaving a firm texture. Chilling the dough also helps the fats set which contributes to the final crunch.
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