Preheat the oven to 170°C.
Melt the margarine/butter with the syrup in a pan. Turn off the heat.
Mix the baking soda with the water in a small bowl and pour it into the hot syrup (it will sizzle a bit). Let it cool a bit.
Mix the other ingredients in a large bowl, then add the syrup and mix well.
Form small balls and press these flat between your palms. Put these on a large baking tray about 2 cm apart to allow them to spread.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.