How to Make Victorian Sugar Mice

Everybody loves sweet treats, especially at Christmas, the Victorians were no different. During the Victorian era the amount of sugar imported into England drastically increased leading to the invention of a plethora of different types of sweets, including many that we still have today, such as, Sherbert Lemons, Pear Drops and Aniseed Twists.

With a rise in the popularity in sweets, it makes sense that there was also an increase in the popularity of gifting and eating treats over the festive season. Sugar mice became one of the most popular sweet treats during the Victorian period.

Why not have a go at making these delicious treats using our recipe below. If you have younger children, need an egg free version or just want a quick alternative then scroll down further for an easy alternative recipe.

Traditional Sugar Mice

Ingredients

• 350g Icing Sugar sifted

• 1 Egg White

• 1 tsp Lemon Juice

• Pink food colouring 

• Cotton String or Strawberry Laces 

• Small Chocolate Drops/ Sprinkles

Instructions

1.       Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl.

2.       Whisk the egg white until white, foamy and stiff peaks appear.

3.       Stir evenly into the icing sugar.

4.       Add the lemon juice and mix.

5.       Use your hands to bring the mixture together into a ball Note: If the mixture seems a little too dry add a little more lemon juice. If it is too wet, add more icing sugar.

6.       Turn onto a work surface lightly dusted with icing sugar and knead until it’s soft.

7.       Divide the mixture into two and add a few drops of pink colouring to one half, kneading until it is evenly combined.

8.       Break off pieces around 2.5cm round and roll out into a mouse shape, pinching the ears with your fingers.

9.       Add chocolate drops or sprinkles for the eyes and add sting or strawberry laces for the tail.

10.  Place on greaseproof paper on a tray and leave overnight to dry.

Traditional Sugar Mice

 Alternative Sugar Mice

Ingredients

• 500g Fondant Icing

• Pink food colouring 

• Cotton String or Strawberry Laces 

• Small Chocolate Drops/ Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Break the block of fondant icing into two equal parts.

2. Add a few drops of pink colouring and need until evenly mixed.

3. Break off pieces around 2.5cm round and roll out into a mouse shape, pinching the ears with your fingers.

4. Add chocolate drops or sprinkles for the eyes and add sting or strawberry laces for the tail.

5. Place on greaseproof paper on a tray and leave overnight to dry.

Modern Suagr Mice