1. Slowly melt butter and black treacle together then leave to cool.

2. In a large bowl, place all the dry ingredients and mix together - a stand/hand mixer is best.

3. Once the butter/treacle mix is cool, add in the whole egg and mix thoroughly.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until well combined. Scrape down if necessary then mix on a medium speed for 1 minute. Do not add any liquid, it will come together.

5. Once together, place in clingfilm and pop into the fridge for at least an hour - this helps the xanthan gum to work.

6. When you are ready to roll out, knead the dough first and roll out to 3 to 4 mm - it will rise! Cut out your shapes and then pop into the freezer for 10 minutes - this helps keep the shape - than bake for 8 - 12 minutes on gas mark 5 (190*C). Cool completely before decorating.

To make royal icing to stick it all together, whisk and egg white until soft peaks then whisk in 200g icing sugar!