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Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Bliss

Delight in these Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing, soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cookies.
  • 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar Contributes moisture and caramel flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 1/2 cup Dark Molasses Imparts depth and rich flavor.
  • 3 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides necessary structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Creates warm spice profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Creates warm spice profile.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Creates warm spice profile.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Creates warm spice profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Vital leavening agent.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt Enhances overall flavor.
For the Royal Icing
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar The sweet base for royal icing.
  • 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder Stabilizes the royal icing.
  • 5-6 tablespoons Water Hydrates the icing.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla or Almond Extract Enhances flavor profile.
  • Gel Food Coloring (Red, Green, Black) Adds color to your designs.
  • White Sanding Sugar Adds sparkle for decoration.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking Sheets
  • piping bags
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and dark molasses. Gradually add in the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined to form a thick dough.
  2. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, flatten slightly into disks, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before baking. Prepare baking sheets lined with parchment.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  5. Place cut-out cookies on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges are firm.
  6. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until reaching a stiff peak consistency. Mix in vanilla extract.
  8. Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing as desired, and allow icing to dry for several hours before storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Don't skip the chilling step! Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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