Gingerbread Men Cookies

Icing

1. Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl with a hand-held electric whisk until light and fluffy, then add the egg and black treacle and whisk to combine.
2. Measure the remaining dry ingredients into a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking until the mixture forms a soft dough.
3. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and transfer to the fridge for about 45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven the oven to 200⁰C/400⁰F/Gas 6 and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of approx 5mm/ 1/4 in.
6. Cut out the men using a gingerbread cutter. Place them on the lined baking sheets, then chill in the fridge until firm (about 45 minutes).
7. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and leave the gingerbread to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the icing, whisk the icing sugar and water together in a bowl using a hand-held electric whisk until smooth. Spoon the icing into the piping bag and pipe designs on the gingerbread men.