Poltava Honey Gingerbread

Recipe from Vladimir Markaryan who makes wonderful carved cookie molds, available on Etsy

Tip from Vladimir: Before putting the dough into the mold, treat the mold with sunflower oil so that it absorbs into the mold, then the cookies will easily fall out of the mold.

I find it works very well to use a pastry brush to paint the mold cavity with vegetable oil. Then I liberally coat it with flour and bang the mold to knock the flour out before putting the dough into the mold. Flour again and bang before molding each cookie.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup honey
7 tablespoons butter
2 egg yolks
5 cups flour
Spices
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cardamom or coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt

Directions

Melt sugar and water over medium heat until it forms a clear syrup;
Stir in honey;
Add butter, stir until melted ;
Add spices, salt, and baking soda;
Cool for 5-10 minutes;
Add egg yolks and mix;
Add 4 cups flour and knead the dough, adding flour as needed;
Chill 1/2-1 hour;
Press dough into prepared mold; Trim excess with a thin wire or knife (an extra large cheese slicer works well);
Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Two of Vladimir Markaryan's lovely Saint Nicholas molds:

Vladimir recommends making the gingerbread with a filling or condensed milk.

From Vladimir Markaryan, Poltova, Ukraine, whose molds are available on Etsy.