Mix 400 g flour, sugar, cocoa, spices and soda in a mixing bowl. Mix linseed flour and 3 tablespoons of water. Add syrup and margarine to the flour mixture. First knead with the dough hooks of the mixer, then work into a smooth dough with floured hands.
Wrap in foil and chill for about 2 hours.
Preheat oven (electric cooker: 175 °C/circulating air: 150 °C/gas: see manufacturer). Line two baking trays with baking paper. Halve the dough. Roll out thinly on some flour about 4 mm. Cut the dough in half with cutters (see
below) Cut out figures. Cut out 2 holes each with a small round punched nozzle (for the ribbon). Put the figures on the plates. Knead the rest of the dough together again, roll out and cut out until the dough is used up.
Bake in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes one after the other. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.