Makes 24 biscuits.
Cream the butter and sugar until soft.
Work in the dry ingredients, mix with a little warm syrup into a dough.
Knead and roll out on a floured board.
Cut out with a cutter.
Place figures on a greased tin, add currants etc. for eyes and buttons.
Bake in a moderate oven (Gas 4, 350F, 180C) for 10-15 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly before lifting onto a wire tray.