Gingerbread Cookies with Icing Details

Name: Gingerbread Cookies with Icing Details
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon meringue powder; 1/4 cup water; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Delight in the festive flavors of homemade gingerbread cookies topped with sweet icing. Perfect for decorating and sharing during the holiday season!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:25:50.521Z

These gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic, bringing warmth and cheer to any gathering. With a delightful blend of spices and a sweet icing finish, they are perfect for cookie decorating parties or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Spicy warmth from ginger and cinnamon
Customizable with fun icing designs
Perfect for holiday gifting and festivities

      

The Magic of Gingerbread

Gingerbread cookies have a long-standing tradition during the holiday season, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates an inviting warmth that fills your home with delightful scents. These cookies are not just a treat; they embody the spirit of the holidays, bringing joy and nostalgia to all who partake in them.

As you bite into these homemade gingerbread cookies, you will experience a perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor. The molasses adds a deep sweetness that complements the spices beautifully, making each cookie a flavorful delight. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or decorated with icing, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Icing: The Finishing Touch

No gingerbread cookie is complete without a touch of icing! The icing not only adds a sweet finish but also provides a canvas for your creativity. With just powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, you can create a fluffy icing that can be piped and shaped into intricate designs. Add food coloring to make your decorations pop and bring a festive touch to your holiday treats.

Decorating gingerbread cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family. Set up a decorating station with various colors and sprinkles, allowing everyone to express their artistic flair. The joy of creating unique designs adds to the experience, making each cookie a personal masterpiece. Plus, these decorated cookies make wonderful gifts and delightful treats to share with friends and neighbors during the holiday season.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

To achieve the best results with your gingerbread cookies, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the butter cream more effectively with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough. Additionally, don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

When rolling out the dough, dust your surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure that the cookies bake uniformly. If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for the shorter end of the time range, but if you like them crunchy, let them bake a little longer. No matter your preference, these tips will help you create the perfect batch of gingerbread cookies!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon meringue powder
1/4 cup water
Food coloring (optional)

Gather all ingredients before starting for a smoother baking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses, then gradually add the flour mixture until combined.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out cookies using cookie cutters.

Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Icing

In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Whip until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring if desired.

Decorate Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, use the icing to decorate as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Enjoy your delicious gingerbread cookies with a warm beverage!

Storing Your Cookies

Once cooled and decorated, store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week at room temperature, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also re-decorate them with fresh icing if desired. This way, you can always have a festive treat on hand, even after the holiday season ends!

Creative Decorating Ideas

Unleash your creativity by experimenting with different decorating techniques for your gingerbread cookies. Consider using a variety of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies to enhance your designs. You can create themed cookies, such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, or even fun characters, to make your cookie platter more visually appealing.

For a more sophisticated look, try piping intricate designs with royal icing. This technique allows for fine details and can elevate your cookies from simple treats to stunning edible art. Don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild; the more personalized the decorations, the more special these cookies will be for everyone who receives them!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze gingerbread cookies?

Yes, gingerbread cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped.

→ What can I use instead of meringue powder?

You can use egg whites instead, but ensure the icing is used immediately to avoid spoilage.

→ How can I make the icing thicker?

Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

→ Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a delicious twist to the traditional gingerbread flavor.