Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Name: Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing: The Secret Recipe!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 2 cups powdered sugar (for royal icing); 2 tablespoons meringue powder (for royal icing); Water (for royal icing)

Posted on October 25, 2025

DESSERT

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Introduction to Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Ah, the sweet aroma of gingerbread cookies wafting through the house! There’s something magical about baking Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing during the holiday season. It’s like wrapping your loved ones in a warm, cozy hug. As a busy mom, I know how precious time is, and this recipe is a delightful way to create festive memories without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a fun baking session with the kids, these cookies are the perfect solution. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

These Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the season! They’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy days. The warm spices create a comforting flavor that dances on your taste buds. Plus, decorating them with royal icing is a fun activity for the whole family. You’ll find joy in every bite and every moment spent together in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda: This little leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Ground ginger: The star spice that gives gingerbread its signature warmth and flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, aromatic touch that complements the ginger perfectly.
Ground cloves: A pinch of this spice brings depth and a hint of earthiness.
Salt: Just a dash enhances all the flavors, making them pop!
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a rich, tender cookie base.
Brown sugar: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor to the cookies.
Molasses: The secret ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep color and rich taste.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together.
Powdered sugar: Essential for making the royal icing smooth and sweet.
Meringue powder: This helps stabilize the royal icing, ensuring it dries hard and shiny.
Water: Just enough to mix with the powdered sugar and meringue powder for the icing.

For those who want to get creative, you can add food coloring to the royal icing for a festive touch. If you’re out of meringue powder, you can substitute it with egg whites, but be sure to use pasteurized ones for safety. You’ll find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive cookies in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The aroma will already start to fill your kitchen, making it feel like the holidays!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that tender texture in your cookies. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic begins!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. The molasses will give your cookies that rich, dark color and deep flavor. It’s like adding a little bit of holiday cheer to your dough!

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t tough. If you see a few flour streaks, that’s okay—just mix until it’s mostly combined.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to roll out. While you wait, you can clean up your kitchen or even sneak a cookie or two from last year’s stash!

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking gingerbread cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and develop that lovely golden edge.

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. I love using festive shapes like stars, trees, and gingerbread men. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be just set but not overbaked. The smell will be heavenly, and you might find it hard to resist sneaking a taste!

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential before decorating. If you try to ice them while warm, the icing will melt and slide right off. Patience is key here, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 10: Make the Royal Icing

To make the royal icing, mix the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar. You want it just right!

Step 11: Decorate the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use piping bags or a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the royal icing onto your cooled cookies. Get creative! You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even colored icing for extra flair. Each cookie can be a little work of art!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
Use a light hand when mixing to keep cookies tender.
Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for fun designs.
Let the royal icing dry completely before stacking cookies.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just make sure they’re sturdy.
Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer saves time.
Rolling pin: A standard one is perfect; a wine bottle can work in a pinch!
Cookie cutters: Get creative with shapes; even a glass can do the trick.
Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick in your gingerbread cookies.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan butter.
Chocolate Gingerbread: Mix in cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist on the classic flavor.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your gingerbread cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for a holiday touch.
For a fun twist, create a gingerbread cookie decorating station at your next gathering!

FAQs about Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

As you embark on your gingerbread cookie adventure, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you through the process!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen.

How do I store my gingerbread cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!

What if my royal icing is too runny?

If your royal icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable for decorating.

Can I freeze gingerbread cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and stored in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

What can I use instead of meringue powder?

If you don’t have meringue powder, you can use pasteurized egg whites as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the water content in your royal icing recipe accordingly!

Final Thoughts

Baking Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that brings families together. The joy of rolling out dough, cutting festive shapes, and decorating with colorful icing creates lasting memories. Each cookie tells a story, filled with laughter and love. As you share these delightful treats with friends and family, you’ll find that the warmth of the season shines through every bite. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the holiday spirit, and let the sweet aroma of gingerbread fill your home. Happy baking!