Pre-heat the oven to 325°F.
Heat the sugar, syrup and spices to boiling point.
Add the baking soda and pour the mixture over butter in a bowl. Stir until the butter melts.
Add the egg and sifted flour and blend thoroughly.
Knead on a baking board.
Chill.
Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thick and cut with fancy cutters.
Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.