1-First, line two large baking trays with parchment paper to avoid any baking fails, like the time I scorched a tray and set off the smoke alarm.

2-Next, grab a gingerbread person cutter and cut out 30 large shapes from the pastry sheets it’s easier than it sounds, and it adds that creepy doll vibe. Place half the shapes on your trays, brush the edges with that egg wash, and add a small amount of raspberry jam in the center. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a jam explosion, which is fun in theory but messy in practice.

3-Top each one with another shape, press the edges together, and crimp with a fork for a sealed edge. Brush the tops with more egg wash, then cut an ‘X’ into the belly for that voodoo look. Chill them for 20-30 minutes to firm up, preheat your oven to 190°C (380°F), and bake for 20 minutes until golden. While they’re cooling, roll out gum paste for eyes and hearts, mix icing with black food coloring, and decorate once cool.

4-Once baked, pipe an ‘X’ on the hands and feet with the black icing, attach those gum paste eyes and a red heart on the belly, and add stitch marks around the heart. Let everything dry, then insert half toothpicks into the top for the final touch. It’s like crafting little edible characters that might just cast a spell on your taste buds.