200g plain flour, plus
1 level tsp for dusting
4 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground fennel
½ tsp cinnamon
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
60g low-fat spread
4 level tbsp sweetener
2 small eggs, beaten
1 level tbsp icing sugar
1 Preheat your oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/gas 4 and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Mix together the flour, spices and bicarbonate of soda. Rub the low-fat spread into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs, then add the sweetener.
2 Add the eggs and mix well to make a dough. Lightly dust a clean work surface with 1 level tsp plain flour and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
3 Roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. Using a 6cm star-shaped cutter, stamp out 30 stars (keep re-rolling the trimmings to make the full amount). To make decorations, use a straw or skewer to punch a hole in the top of each star.
4 Lay the biscuits on the baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden, then leave on the tray to cool completely. To hang, thread and tie ribbon or soft string through the holes. Sprinkle the icing sugar evenly over the stars, gently tap to remove any excess and have fun decking the halls!