Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Bake:
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Royal Icing:
- Prepare Icing:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or powdered sugar as needed.
- Color the Icing:
- If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve your desired colors.
- Decorate:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, use the royal icing to decorate them. You can pipe outlines, flood with icing, and add details.
- Let Icing Set:
- Allow the icing to set completely before storing or packaging the cookies.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade gingerbread cookies, whether plain or beautifully decorated!
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or as festive treats for friends and family. Have fun decorating and indulging in the warm, spiced flavors!
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