Homemade Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Introduction

Gingerbread cookies are one of the most iconic Christmas treats, loved for their warm spices, chewy-crisp texture, and beautiful decorated designs. Made with a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, these cookies are not only flavorful but also fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of the holidays. Decorated with royal icing, they become edible works of art that are fun to make with kids and perfect for gifting.

Whether shaped as gingerbread men, stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees, these cookies bring festive cheer to every holiday table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines flavor, tradition, and creativity all in one. The dough is spiced just right—warm, fragrant, and nostalgic. The cookies have the perfect texture: crisp on the edges, slightly soft in the center, and sturdy enough to hold detailed icing designs.

Decorating them with royal icing is my favorite part. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together—kids love piping silly faces, while adults can get creative with elegant designs. These cookies also make thoughtful homemade gifts wrapped in festive bags or tins.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• A Christmas tradition that brings families together.
• Fun to bake and decorate with kids and friends.
• Deliciously spiced, festive, and versatile.
• Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or holiday dessert platters.
• The combination of gingerbread and royal icing is simply irresistible!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time (dough): 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1–2 hours
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Decorating Time: 30–60 minutes
• Total Time: ~2.5–3 hours (including chilling & decorating)
• Servings: About 24–30 cookies (depending on cutter size)
• Calories: ~150 calories per cookie (with icing)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: European / American Holiday Baking
• Course: Dessert / Snack / Holiday Treat

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 large egg whites (or 4 tbsp meringue powder + 6 tbsp water)
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice or vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Simple Directions

1. Make gingerbread dough, chill, and roll out.
2. Cut into shapes and bake until slightly firm.
3. Make royal icing and divide into bowls for coloring.
4. Decorate cookies once cooled.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and molasses.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1–2 hours.

Step 2: Roll & Cut

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
4. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft.
2. Let cookies cool completely before decorating.

Step 4: Make Royal Icing

1. In a bowl, beat egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) until foamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice/vanilla.
3. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Divide into bowls, tint with food coloring if desired.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Transfer icing into piping bags with small tips.
2. Outline cookies first, then flood (fill in) with thinner icing.
3. Add sprinkles or extra details before icing sets.
4. Allow decorated cookies to dry for several hours.

How to Serve

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter for Christmas gatherings.
• Pack in tins or gift boxes for holiday presents.
• Pair with hot cocoa, eggnog, or mulled wine.
• Hang on the Christmas tree using ribbon (poke holes before baking).

Additional Recipe Tips

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading.
• Roll dough evenly to ensure cookies bake consistently.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing shades.
• Let cookies cool fully before icing, or icing will melt.
• For shiny icing, let decorated cookies dry uncovered overnight.

Variations

• Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Roll dough slightly thicker (1/3-inch).
• Chocolate Gingerbread: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spiced Orange Icing: Add orange zest to royal icing for a citrus twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Unfrosted Cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for 2–3 months.
• Decorated Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Dough: Wrap and freeze dough discs for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before rolling).

Special Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (gingerbread men, stars, trees, etc.)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Piping bags and tips for icing
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

The Homemade Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Decoration are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Spiced, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking them for family traditions, gifts, or festive gatherings, these cookies are guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer.