Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Name: Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing: A Festive Delight!
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

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 make, even on the busiest days, and the delightful spices will fill your home with warmth. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity for the whole family. You’ll love how quickly they come together, making them a go-to recipe for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

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 helps the cookies rise and gives them a lovely, soft texture.
Ground ginger: The star spice that brings warmth and a hint of zest to your cookies.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that’s synonymous with the holidays.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way, giving your cookies a rich, warm depth.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Unsalted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making your cookies chewy.
Molasses: This gives the cookies their signature dark color and deep flavor.

Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Powdered sugar: Essential for making the royal icing smooth and sweet.
Meringue powder: Helps stabilize the royal icing, making it easy to decorate.

Water: Just enough to achieve the right consistency for your royal icing.

Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or coconut sugar. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available 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 all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground 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 unsalted 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 perfect cookie texture. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step—whatever you have on hand!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add the molasses and the large 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 that we all love. It’s like adding a little magic to your dough!

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want a nice, soft dough that holds together well. If it feels too sticky, don’t worry; that’s normal!

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 taste of that leftover molasses!

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect time to get your baking sheets ready. Line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the delightful scent of baking cookies!

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled 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 the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be just golden but not too dark. The smell will be irresistible, and you might find it hard to wait for them to cool!

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This is crucial, as warm cookies can cause the royal icing to melt. Once cooled, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Decorate with royal icing as desired, and don’t forget to have fun with it!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading while baking.
Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to keep it tender.

Experiment with different cookie shapes for a fun presentation.
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, or use a wine bottle in a pinch.
Cookie cutters: Get creative with shapes; even a glass can work!

Baking sheets: Line with parchment paper or use silicone mats for easy cleanup.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

Vegan Twist: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce and use vegan butter.
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate gingerbread cookie.
Fruity Flair: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped nuts 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 and sprigs of rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast.

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! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are completely cooled and decorated before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

What can I use instead of meringue powder for royal icing?

If you don’t have meringue powder, you can use egg whites instead. Just remember to use pasteurized egg whites for safety. This will give you a similar texture for your royal icing.

Final Thoughts

Baking Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that brings joy to our homes. The process of mixing, rolling, and decorating creates lasting memories with family and friends. Each cookie tells a story, filled with laughter and love. As you savor the delightful flavors and share them with your loved ones, you’ll find that these cookies are not just treats but symbols of togetherness. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday spirit, and let the magic of gingerbread fill your heart and home this season!