Rye & black pepper ginger snaps

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small pan, combine the sugar, butter and syrup. Set over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Transfer to a bowl; set aside to cool. Once cool, use a balloon whisk to beat the egg into the butter mixture. In a large bowl, use a fork to whisk together the spices, bicarb, flour and salt. Pour the butter mixture over the flour; use a spatula to stir until evenly combined into a dough. Flatten into a disc, wrap in baking parchment and chill for 2 hours.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment. Remove the dough from the fridge and let sit for 5 minutes. Roll the dough out between 2 sheets of baking parchment (lightly dusting with flour, if necessary), to about 3mm thick. Use star-shaped cutters around 8cm in diameter (or other shapes), to cut out the dough. The dough does not re-roll well, so cut out smaller shapes from any left over. Put onto the prepared baking trays. Bake for 8-10 minutes until light golden brown, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with about ½-1 tbsp water, adding a little at a time, until smooth and runny. Put in a piping bag; use to decorate each cookie as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 days.