There are few things more comforting at Christmas than an afternoon spent baking while the light fades early outside. The kitchen fills with the scent of treacle and spice, the oven warms the room, and time slows just a little.
These Midwinter Biscuits are made for moments like that — simple, deeply spiced, and rooted in the familiar rhythms of winter.
They’re the sort of biscuits that feel just right wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, ready to share with neighbours, friends, or anyone who might appreciate a small, handmade gesture at this time of year.
A Traditional Winter Bake
Biscuits flavoured with treacle, ginger and spice have long been part of British and Northern European Christmas baking. They’re sturdy, full of warmth, and keep well — perfect for making ahead during Advent and gifting throughout the festive season.
These Midwinter Biscuits are easy to prepare, hold their shape beautifully, and are ideal for stamping with simple symbols such as stars, moons, trees or hares, giving them a quietly folkloric feel.
Midwinter Biscuits with Black Treacle & Spice
Makes approximately 16–22 biscuits, depending on size
Ingredients
100 g unsalted butter, softened
67 g soft brown sugar
1 tbsp + 1 tsp black treacle (or molasses)
2 tsp golden syrup (optional, for a softer crumb)
167 g plain flour
⅔ tsp baking powder
⅔ tsp ground ginger
⅔ tsp ground cinnamon
⅓ tsp ground cloves
⅓ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Pinch of salt
1–2 tbsp milk, oat milk or water, if needed
Method
1. Cream the butter and sugar
Beat together until soft and slightly fluffy. Add the black treacle (and golden syrup if using) and mix until well combined.
2. Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, spices, pepper and salt.
3. Bring the dough together
Add the dry ingredients to the treacle mixture and mix into a firm but workable dough. If it feels crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to bring it together.
4. Chill
Wrap and chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the biscuits keep their shape and makes them easier to roll.
5. Roll and shape
Roll the dough to around 5–6 mm thick. Stamp with simple designs or cut into rounds or festive shapes.
6. Bake
Bake at 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just set.
7. Cool
Leave the biscuits to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Serving & Gifting Ideas
These biscuits are ideal for sharing. A small bundle tied with string makes a thoughtful Christmas gift, whether slipped through a neighbour’s letterbox, added to a hamper, or set out for guests.
They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a spiced winter drink and keep well in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.
A Simple Christmas Ritual
Baking at midwinter is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. It’s a chance to slow down, mark the season, and create something with your hands. These biscuits are uncomplicated, comforting, and quietly festive — a small way to bring warmth and generosity into the darkest days of the year.
Optional Gift Tag Text
“Midwinter Biscuits — black treacle and spice biscuits, baked slowly for sharing at Christmas.”