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Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Delightful Gingerbread Cookies infused with spices and decorated with royal icing, perfect for the holidays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 70
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Cookies
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of fluffy cookies, adding gentle softness.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Activates the sweetness and helps cookies rise.
  • 2 tbsp ground ginger The star spice that gives these cookies their warmth and identity.
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Adds a cozy touch, reminiscent of holiday mornings.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves Teases the palate with a complex, aromatic flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness beautifully.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a creamy texture and rich taste.
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar Enhances moisture and depth of flavor.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup molasses Infuses a deep, dark sweetness that characterizes gingerbread.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract A hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
For the Royal Icing
  • 2 large egg whites Gives the icing body, making it easy to decorate.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Transforms into a thick consistency for decorating.
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice Helps stabilize the icing and adds a slight brightness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is blended smoothly.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
  5. Divide the dough in half, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
Baking
  1. After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your gingerbread cookies.
  3. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Decorating
  1. Prepare the royal icing by beating egg whites with powdered sugar and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
  2. Transfer the icing to a piping bag for easy application.
  3. Decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing, creating beautiful designs. Allow the icing to set for 1–2 hours before serving or packaging.

Notes

For a stronger spice flavor, let the dough rest overnight in the fridge. Use a mix of cookie cutters to make decorating more fun. Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter to the icing for a touch of holiday shimmer. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.