Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Experience the warmth and joy of holiday baking with these enchanting Gingerbread Cookies adorned with royal icing.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3.25 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Acts as leavening agent.
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger Adds a warm, spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Brings cozy sweetness.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves Adds depth to flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened Creates a rich dough.
- 0.75 cups brown sugar, packed Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 large egg Binds ingredients.
- 0.5 cups molasses Provides caramel notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a fragrant touch.
For the Royal Icing
- 2 large egg whites Beaten until frothy.
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar Provides sweetness.
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice Adds brightness without compromising structure.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to form a dough.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Baking
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out festive shapes using cookie cutters and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Royal Icing
- Beat the egg whites until frothy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag to decorate the cooled cookies.
- Allow the icing to set for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
To avoid overbaking, watch the cookies closely. Chill the dough to maintain their shape. Experiment with flavors like cardamom or nutmeg for a unique twist.