gingerbread and icing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best gingerbread and icing recipe

I’m so excited to share this gingerbread and icing recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The history of gingerbread dates back to the 11th century, when it was first made in Europe as a sweet bread. Over time, it evolved into the spiced cookie we know and love today.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is the way the spices come together – the warm, comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are just perfect for the holiday season. And let’s not forget the icing – a sweet, creamy frosting that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

I like to use this recipe for special occasions like Christmas or Easter, but it’s also a great everyday treat. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – even my kids can help with the mixing and decorating!

As an added bonus, gingerbread is packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium, making it a healthy-ish indulgence. I could go on and on about this recipe, but I’ll stop here – let’s get to the good stuff!

Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

4.7 from 1754 votes

Classic gingerbread cookies with a tangy kick, topped with a sweet royal icing. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Dough

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp meringue powder
4-5 tbsp warm water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
food coloring

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
6Mix until well combined.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8The dough should be slightly sticky.
9Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
10On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
11Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
12Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
13Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
14Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
15For the royal icing, in a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water.
16Beat with an electric mixer until glossy and stiff peaks form.
17Add vanilla extract and food coloring to the icing.
18Mix until well combined.
19Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
20Pipe desired designs onto the cooled gingerbread cookies.
21Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Piping bag

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 26g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For easier cutting, chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling. You can adjust the consistency of the royal icing by adding more powdered sugar or water.

Watch Video Of How Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Works

This gingerbread and icing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a special treat for your family. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins (try adding some chopped nuts or dried cranberries next time!) As an added bonus, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months – perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

1. What is the best type of molasses to use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using dark molasses – it has a richer flavor than light molasses and will give your gingerbread a deeper color. You can find dark molasses at most grocery stores or online.

2. Can I substitute other types of sugar for the brown sugar?

While you can use other types of sugar in a pinch, I recommend sticking with brown sugar for this recipe – its caramel flavor pairs perfectly with the spices.

3. How long does this icing take to set?

The icing should take about 30 minutes to an hour to set at room temperature – you can speed up the process by refrigerating it for about 10-15 minutes.

4. Can I make this icing ahead of time?

Yes – you can make this icing up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe is not suitable for vegans due to the honey used in the icing – if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, consider substituting with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.

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