If you love ginger biscuits, you will love this recipe by Mary Berry, the queen of baking. These biscuits are crunchy, spicy, and easy to make. They are perfect for dunking in a cup of tea or coffee or enjoying as a snack anytime.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry ginger biscuits step by step, with tips and tricks to get the best results. You will also learn some interesting facts about ginger and its health benefits. Let’s get started!
What are ginger biscuits?
Ginger biscuits are cookies flavored with ginger. Ginger adds a warm, spicy taste. The biscuits are round, thin, and crispy. They are popular in Britain and are also known as ginger nuts or ginger snaps.
What are Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits?
Mary Berry’s Ginger Biscuits are crunchy cookies flavored with ginger. The ginger spice comes from the root of a plant called Zingiber officinale. This gives the biscuits their aromatic, spicy taste. They are easy to make – just mix up dough with butter, sugar, and ground ginger powder then bake until crispy. Mary Berry’s version results in biscuits that are thin and round with a delightful gingery bite. They are perfect for dunking in tea or coffee. In Britain, this type of ginger-flavored cookie is also called ginger nuts or ginger snaps. Mary Berry’s recipe produces what are considered some of the best ginger biscuits.
Why are ginger biscuits good for you?
Ginger biscuits offer more than just a delightful taste; they bring along a suite of health benefits, thanks to the ginger content. Here’s a closer look at why these biscuits can be a nutritious treat:
- Digestive Health: Ginger is known for its ability to soothe digestive issues. It effectively combats nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness, making it particularly beneficial for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory qualities of ginger can help alleviate pain and swelling. This is especially useful for those dealing with arthritis, muscle soreness, or menstrual cramps.
- Immune System Support: Ginger plays a role in boosting the immune system and fighting infections. It’s also helpful in lowering fever and clearing congestion in the respiratory tract.
- Metabolic Health: Regular consumption of ginger can improve digestion and metabolism. This includes helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidant Benefits: Ginger’s antioxidants protect cells from damage and aging. They may even slow down or prevent the growth of certain cancers.
While ginger biscuits are a delightful way to enjoy these benefits, they are not a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
What ingredients do you need to make Mary Berry ginger biscuits?
To make Mary Berry ginger biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- 350 g (12 oz) self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 100 g (4 oz) butter
- 175 g (6 oz) light muscovado sugar
- 4 tablespoons golden syrup
- 1 egg, beaten
Useful Equipment
You will also need a baking tray, baking paper, a large bowl, a wooden spoon, a small saucepan, a measuring spoon, a weighing scale, a fork, and a wire rack.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits
Follow these steps to make Mary Berry ginger biscuits:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking tray
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4). Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and ground ginger. This will help to aerate the mixture and prevent lumps.
Step 3: Melt the butter, sugar, and syrup
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, sugar, and syrup, stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture boil or burn. Once melted, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients
Pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Add the beaten egg and mix well with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
Step 5: Shape the biscuits
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them. Flatten them slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern on top.
Step 6: Bake the biscuits
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and firm. They will spread and crack a bit as they bake, which is normal.
Step 7: Cool the biscuits
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool.
Step 8: Enjoy your biscuits
Your Mary Berry ginger biscuits are ready to eat. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. Enjoy them with a hot drink or as a treat anytime.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits?
Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your biscuit experience:
- With Hot Drinks: Pair these biscuits with a hot drink like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. The warmth and sweetness of the drink will nicely complement the biscuit’s spiciness and crunch.
- With Cold Drinks: Enjoy them with a cold beverage like milk, lemonade, or iced tea. The cool and fresh nature of these drinks offers a pleasant contrast to the biscuits’ heat and richness.
- With Spreads: Try them with spreads such as butter, jam, honey, or Nutella. The creaminess and flavor of these spreads add moisture and an interesting variety to the biscuits.
- With Dips: Dip them in chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for an indulgent treat. These dips add a smooth, decadent aspect to the biscuits.
- With Cheese: Serve with cheeses like cheddar, brie, or cream cheese. The saltiness and tanginess of the cheese provide a perfect balance to the sweetness and spiciness of the biscuits.
- With Fruits: Accompany them with fruits like apple, pear, or orange. The juicy and acidic nature of these fruits can refresh and cleanse the palate after enjoying the biscuits.
Tips and tricks to make the best Mary Berry ginger biscuits
Perfecting Mary Berry ginger biscuits is all about personalizing them to your taste. Here are some ways to elevate these classic treats:
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the ginger quantity to suit your preference. Add more for a spicier kick, or reduce it for a subtler flavor.
- Experiment with Additional Spices: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves into the dough.
- Sugar Variations: Swap light muscovado sugar with dark muscovado sugar for a deeper color and richer taste.
- Syrup Substitutes: Replace golden syrup with honey to achieve a distinct sweetness and texture.
- Add Texture and Flavor: Mix in chopped crystallized ginger or chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
- Size Adjustments: Shape the biscuits larger or smaller based on your preference, but remember to modify the baking time accordingly.
- Decorative Touches: Adorn the biscuits with icing, sprinkles, or nuts for a festive and visually appealing finish.
Variations of Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits
Introducing variations to the classic Mary Berry ginger biscuits can add an exciting twist to your baking. Here are some ideas:
- Spice Adjustments: Tailor the ginger amount for a spicier or milder taste, as per your liking.
- Incorporate Different Spices: Experiment by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sugar Options: Opt for dark muscovado sugar instead of light for a more intense taste and color.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Try using honey in place of golden syrup for a unique sweetness and texture.
- Extra Ingredients for Flavor and Crunch: Consider adding chopped crystallized ginger or chocolate chips to the dough for additional texture and taste.
- Adjusting Biscuit Size: Make your biscuits larger or smaller based on what you prefer, just be sure to adjust the baking time to match.
- Decorative Elements: Dress up your biscuits with icing, sprinkles, or nuts to make them more visually appealing and festive.
How do I store Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
Here are some tips to store them properly:
- Make sure the biscuits are completely cool before storing them. If they are still warm, they will become soggy and lose their crispiness.
- Use a clean and dry container that has a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent the biscuits from absorbing any moisture or odors from the air or other foods.
- Separate the biscuits with layers of baking paper or wax paper. This will prevent them from sticking together or breaking.
- Store the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will preserve the flavor and texture of the biscuits.
- Label the container with the date and name of the biscuits. This will help you to remember when you made them and what they are.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Mary Berry Ginger Biscuits leftovers, you can do so in the oven or the microwave.
Here are some steps to reheat them properly:
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan, gas mark 2) or set the microwave to medium power.
- Arrange the biscuits in a single layer on a baking tray or a microwave-safe plate. Do not overlap them or pile them up.
- Reheat the biscuits for 5 to 10 minutes in the oven, or 10 to 20 seconds in the microwave, depending on the size and quantity of the biscuits. Check them frequently and do not overheat them, as they can burn or dry out.
- Enjoy the biscuits while they are warm and crisp. You can also serve them with some of the options mentioned above.
Final Words
Mary Berry ginger biscuits are easy and fun to make, and delicious to eat. They are crunchy, spicy, and perfect for dunking. They are also good for you, as ginger has many health benefits. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own Mary Berry ginger biscuits, and enjoy them with your family and friends.
Happy baking!