Gingerbread Cookies with Icing Details
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the festive spirit with these delicious Gingerbread Cookies, perfectly spiced and adorned with sweet icing.
These gingerbread cookies bring the warmth of the holiday season to your kitchen. With the perfect blend of spices, they are ideal for decorating or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Warm and inviting aroma that fills your home
- Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
- Fun to decorate and share during the holidays
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Their delightful aroma wafting through the house creates an inviting atmosphere that is synonymous with the holiday season. These cookies are not just delicious; they also serve as a canvas for creativity when it comes to decorating.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun activity with kids, baking and decorating gingerbread cookies is an enjoyable way to spread cheer. The process of rolling out the dough and cutting out various shapes is a great way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your gingerbread cookies, it's essential to use high-quality spices. Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Always measure your ingredients accurately, and consider sifting the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Chilling the dough is another critical step that improves the cookies' texture. It allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out without becoming sticky. If time permits, letting the dough rest overnight will deepen the flavors even further, making your cookies even more delightful.
Storing and Sharing Your Cookies
Once decorated and dried, gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. This makes them perfect for holiday gifting. Wrap them in festive packaging, and they make thoughtful, homemade gifts that friends and family will appreciate.
If you want to keep your cookies fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and decorate as desired!
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother baking experience!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Roll and Cut Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat on high speed until the icing holds stiff peaks. If desired, divide and color with food coloring.
Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, use the icing to decorate them as desired. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing.
Enjoy your festive creations or share them with friends and family!
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea. The warm spices in these drinks complement the flavors of the cookies perfectly, creating a cozy experience for your guests.
For a fun twist, consider using your gingerbread cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Creative Decorating Ideas
The decorating possibilities for gingerbread cookies are endless! Use royal icing to create intricate designs or simple patterns. Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch. You can also use candy canes, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to add texture and flavor to your decorations.
For kids, provide a variety of toppings and let their imagination run wild. This not only makes for a fun activity but also results in unique and charming cookies that showcase everyone’s personality and creativity.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may result in a denser cookie.
→ How long can I store these cookies?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to three months.
→ What can I use instead of meringue powder for icing?
You can use egg whites, but ensure they are pasteurized for safety.
Gingerbread Cookies with Icing Details
Delight in the festive spirit with these delicious Gingerbread Cookies, perfectly spiced and adorned with sweet icing.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat on high speed until the icing holds stiff peaks. If desired, divide and color with food coloring.
Once the cookies are completely cool, use the icing to decorate them as desired. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g