Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Delightful and traditional gingerbread cookies adorned with royal icing, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation for a sturdy cookie with a rich, warm flavor
- 1 tsp baking soda To ensure your cookies rise perfectly
- 2 tbsp ground ginger Adding a sharp, spicy aroma
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon For that festive scent
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves Bringing depth to the spice blend
- 1/2 tsp salt To enhance flavors
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Creating a tender, rich base
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar For its caramel notes
- 1 large egg Binding everything together
- 1/2 cup molasses Offering a dark, sweet, and slightly bitter undertone
- 1 tsp vanilla extract For warmth and depth
For the Royal Icing
- 2 large egg whites Creating a glossy finish
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweet and smooth for decorating
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice To give stability and a slight tang
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Royal Icing
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until stiff peaks form.
Decorating
- Transfer the royal icing to a piping bag and decorate the cooled cookies.
- Allow decorated cookies to set for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
Ensure accurate measurements for best results. Experiment with substitutions for healthier options.