As the first hints of winter breeze in, I can’t help but feel a familiar pull to the kitchen. The aroma of spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—fills the air, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket from my childhood. That’s when I know it’s time to whip up a batch of soft and chewy gingerbread cookies with royal icing. These delightful treats are not just delicious; they bring a festive charm to any gathering, making them perfect for holiday parties, family get-togethers, or even just a cozy evening in with a cup of cocoa.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily cater it to be vegan-friendly or switch up spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen newbie, this is a fun project that invites both kids and adults to unleash their creative spirit with adorable decorations. Plus, who can resist the joy of gingerbread cookies warm from the oven? Join me as we bake up a storm, creating treats that are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Why are Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing a must-try?
Irresistible Aroma: The comforting blend of spices infuses your home with the cozy scent of the holidays.
Festive Fun: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies bring cheer and joy, allowing for creative decorations that everyone can enjoy.
Adaptability: Easily make them vegan-friendly or tweak the spices for a unique twist—always a crowd-pleaser!
Soft & Chewy: Experience the delightful texture that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of softness and mild crispness.
Quality Family Time: Baking together becomes a cherished memory, uniting loved ones in a fun and meaningful kitchen activity.
Don’t forget to explore different styles and variations; for more ideas, check out our delightful mini gingerbread cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in your homemade creations with these delightful ingredients!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness; swap with margarine for a dairy-free treat.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and crispifies; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Light Brown Sugar – Moistens and deepens flavor; all granulated sugar works in a pinch.
- Egg – Binds and hydrates; use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative.
- Dark Molasses – Rich in flavor and color; light molasses or honey can be used for a milder taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves – Essential spices for that festive flavor; fresh spices yield the best results.
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise for that soft texture.
- Fine Salt – Enhances all the flavors in your cookies.
For the Royal Icing
- Powdered Sugar – The sweet base of royal icing; ensures your decorations are perfect.
- Meringue Powder – Stabilizes your icing; egg white powder can replace it if meringue powder is not available.
- Water – Hydrates the icing for the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla or Almond Extract – Adds depth to the icing’s flavor.
- Gel Food Coloring – A vibrant choice for decorating; it won’t affect the icing’s consistency.
- White Sanding Sugar – Optional for a textural touch on your decorated cookies.
With this ingredient list, you’re all set to create unforgettable Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing that will warm your heart and home!
How to Make Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
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Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until it’s light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg and dark molasses. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Combine the dry ingredients with your wet mix until a thick dough forms.
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Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or for a quick chill, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
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Roll & Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place the cutouts back in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to firm up.
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Bake: Arrange the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes; they should be set with a soft center. Let them cool on the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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Make Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar with meringue powder. Gradually add water and your choice of extract, beating until stiff peaks form. For a spreadable consistency, adjust the icing by adding more water as needed.
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Color Icing: Divide the royal icing into portions based on your color preferences. Add gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues, making sure to thin out one part to create a flooding consistency for easier decorating.
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Decorate Cookies: Using piping bags fitted with small tips, decorate cooled cookies with your colored icing. Allow them to dry completely before stacking them on a plate or in a container.
Optional: Finish with a sprinkle of white sanding sugar for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Room Temperature: Store iced gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep the cookies separated with parchment paper to maintain their decorations.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but note that the icing may lose some luster.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If thawing, do so in the fridge overnight. To serve, let the cookies come to room temperature before indulging in your soft and chewy gingerbread cookies with royal icing!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing?
The magic of these festive treats invites you to create an entire holiday spread that delights the senses!
- Hot Cocoa: Warming and creamy, it enhances the spices in the gingerbread, making each bite a cozy experience.
- Mulled Wine: The aromatic spices in mulled wine pair perfectly with the cookie’s rich flavors, creating a festive essence.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy, sweet complement that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness, ideal for those who enjoy a twist.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm for a nostalgic touch, as the spices will echo the gingerbread spices while adding a fresh, fruity element.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side adds a light, airy touch, balancing the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Sugared Cranberries: These tart, sweet bites provide a delicious contrast with a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with each cookie.
These pairing suggestions will elevate your gingerbread experience and create memorable moments during your festive gatherings.
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing are ideal for meal prep, helping you save valuable time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps to make the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the royal icing, you can mix and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before using. When you’re ready to bake, roll, cut, and bake the cookies straight from the refrigerator, and decorate them once cooled. This way, your cookies will remain just as delicious and festive, ensuring you can enjoy the holiday spirit without the last-minute rush!
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies
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Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh to maximize flavor and aroma. Stale spices can leave your cookies tasting flat.
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Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, making nicer cutouts.
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Watch the Baking Time: Err on the side of underbaking to keep centers soft. Check cookies at the 10-minute mark for perfect doneness.
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Proper Icing Consistency: Achieve the right consistency by adding water slowly. A thick icing is great for outlining, while thinned icing works best for flooding.
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Decorating with Care: Space cookies at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging.
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Creative Variations: Have fun experimenting! Add unique spices or use different cookie cutter shapes to create a variety of gingerbread cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this delightful recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Vegan-Friendly: Swap eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) to make these cookies vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. These cookies can still be soft and chewy with the right blend!
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Spice Twist: Infuse a new flavor by adding cardamom or allspice alongside the original spices. The added warmth will bring an exciting depth to your beloved gingerbread.
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Mini Delights: Create adorable mini gingerbread cookies by rolling the dough thinner and using smaller cookie cutters. Adjust the bake time to 7-9 minutes for perfect mini bites!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough before chilling for a delightful contrast in texture and added nuttiness.
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Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the spices.
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Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled icing or mix cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolatey variation that kids will love!
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Heat Factor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to spice things up for those who prefer a bit of heat in their holiday treats.
Every variation is a chance to turn your kitchen into a joyful wonderland filled with aromatic delights, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, especially spices, make sure they are fresh for the best flavor. Ground spices should be aromatic and vibrant. For the best results, check the expiration dates on your baking ingredients. Use unsalted butter for richer flavor—that way, you can control the saltiness. If going for a vegan option, ensure the margarine used is suitable for baking.
How should I store my gingerbread cookies?
You can store iced gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent the icing from smudging or sticking together. If you prefer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but keep in mind that the icing may lose some luster during refrigeration.
What is the best way to freeze gingerbread cookies?
For longer storage, freeze the decorated cookies! Begin by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight, allowing them to return to room temperature before enjoying your gingerbread cookies.
What if my icing is too thick or too runny?
No worries! If your icing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water gradually while mixing until you achieve the desired consistency for flooding (ideal for covering larger areas). Conversely, if your icing is too runny, you can thicken it by adding a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches your preferred thickness. It’s all about playing around with the ingredients a bit—don’t hesitate to adjust!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very much so! Substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is an excellent option for gluten-sensitive bakers. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure that gluten provides. This should result in delicious, soft gingerbread cookies that everyone can enjoy!
Are there any dietary considerations I need to be aware of for these cookies?
Definitely! If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using substitutes for common allergens. For dairy-free, exchange butter for margarine. Instead of eggs, a flax egg works well. Check your powdered sugar or meringue powder brands to ensure they are free from potential allergens. Always communicate with your guests about ingredients to make sure everyone can enjoy your festive treats.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and dark molasses.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Combine with the wet mix until a thick dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place cutouts back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Bake on lined sheets for 10-11 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with meringue powder. Gradually add water and extract, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Divide and color the icing with gel food coloring for decorating.
- Use piping bags to decorate cooled cookies and allow drying completely.