With Halloween next weekend and the last few party planning touches going on, we thought we would share a sweet treat that would be a welcome addition to any event. Perfect for people who don’t want to buy plastic wrapped goodies from the supermarket and feel like hauling out their apron. This makes around 24 cookies so great for a large group (or a quiet night in alone)! 

Ingredients:  

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour  
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• ¼ teaspoon salt  

• ¾ cup (173g) margarine, softened or vegan alternative  
• 1 cup (200g) white sugar 
• 1 egg or vegan alternative (e.g., 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda)  
• 1 tablespoon water 
• ¼ cup (84g) black treacle/molasses 

Step 1: The first thing you need to do (which I am guilty of always forgetting) is preheat your oven! It needs to be at 350 degrees F/175 degrees C/ gas mark 4. 

Step 2: Now grab a bowl and sift your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. This needs putting to the side now so you can tackle your wet ingredients.

Step 3: In a larger bowl you need to cream your margarine (or vegan alternative) with your white sugar. You can stop once it is light and fluffy. Add in the egg (or vegan alternative) and beat it. Now stir in the water and black treacle.  

Step 4: Now it is time to combine! Grab your dry bowl and add small amount at a time, mixing it into your wet mixture.  

Step 5: You need to get small balls of the mixture and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. I used a silicone baking sheet that is reusable to try to minimise waste! At this point I found that my mixture was still quite wet. If yours is too, fret not! Just add a little more flour until it becomes a bit more mouldable but if it doesn’t look like it is doing anything just go ahead and use a spoon to put it onto the tray. Squish the balls down slightly so they are a little flattened.  

Step 6: Time to bake! Put them in the oven for around 8-12 minutes. Once they’re done you should leave them for about 5 minutes before moving them onto a wire rack to cool completely.  

My first attempt did not go well! I made the balls too big and when they spread out in the oven, they stayed raw in the middle and just fell apart even after they cooled. My next attempt turned out way better! Doing your baking in batches like this allows for a little trial and error so if it doesn't turn out great first time, don’t be discouraged!  

This is a lovely recipe inspired by one found on allrecipes so, head over there to check it out! 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17165/big-soft-ginger-cookies/