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Gingerbread Cookies

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Gingerbread Cookies | www.savingdessert.com

Classic Gingerbread Cookies in a fun and festive snowflake design with a simple vanilla glaze and a little Royal icing piped on top.

Some  years ago when our children were pre-teens, we decided to decorate our Christmas tree with all natural, homemade ornaments.  The fragrant fir was decorated with ornaments made throughout the years by both our children as well as old decorations my husband and I made as children.  We made popcorn and cranberry strings and tied ribbon around pine cones.  The crowning touch was homemade gingerbread men decorated by our little family. We loved that tree and was so proud!  I was amazed how beautiful it was even without sparkly glass ornaments, at least for a day or two.
One morning I awoke to see some of the gingerbread men were missing legs, and lower bodies. Some gingerbread men were completely gone, all except for the small ribbon used to hang the cookies on the tree. Was it the kids?  Why would they eat the ornaments? There are plenty of cookies around the house!  Then I saw the look of disgrace and shame on our two Labrador fur children. Nose level cookies proved too much of a temptation for those pups.  That explained the gingerbread men bitten in half.
Needless to say the surviving gingerbread men were relocated to higher branches with hopes they would survive until Christmas.  I often think about that tree and hope when my grandson (and future grandchildren) are older, we can decorate another with handmade goodies.
Gingerbread Cookies | www.savingdessert.com

The holiday are always better with homemade gingerbread cookies.

It’s been a long time since I’d made gingerbread cookies. But now I remember why they are a beloved classic. I adore the distinct ginger and molasses flavor and they are such fun to decorate. This wonderful recipe holds it’s shape when baked making them terrific for intricate designs.
Gingerbread Cookies | www.savingdessert.com

Making gingerbread cookies is a fun project for the whole family!

Chicken, young and old are always happy to help make and decorate cookies. We give each little one a rimmed baking sheet to use as a catch-all while they decorate their cookies. Sprinkles stay put on the baking sheet and are easy to clean up too. You can decorate the cookies using Royal Icing or a simple vanilla glaze.  Candies such as these mini-M&M’s add a nice touch of color too. We’ve included recipes for the glaze and Royal icing, if using.
Gingerbread Cookies | www.savingdessert.com

Can you use iced gingerbread cookies for tree decorations?

Gingerbread cookies that are iced will soften a bit which makes them easier to eat.  If you want to hang the on your tree as decorations, they are best left plain.
Gingerbread Cookies | www.savingdessert.com

Can you freeze gingerbread cookies?

We always make our gingerbread cookies ahead of time and freeze until ready to decorate. Layer the cookies between sheets of wax or parchment paper and seal in an airtight container. The cookies can be made up to 2 months in advance. Gingerbread cookies also travel well making them a terrific gift.
Gingerbread cookies can be cut into any design such as trees, gingerbread men, and gingerbread snowflakes. Have fun!

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Gingerbread cookies cut into snowflake designs and decorated

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Gingerbread Cookies

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Course: Cookie, Dessert
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
A holiday favorite!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Optional toppings:

  • Royal Icing
  • Assorted candies
  • Sugar Crystals
  • Colored sugar
  • Vanilla glaze

Instructions

  • Beat the butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy. In a large measuring cup combine the baking soda and ¼ cup hot water. Stir until dissolved then add the molasses.
  • In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt and allspice. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the molasses mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Shape the dough into a ball and cover and chill at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured work surface. Cut dough into desired shapes. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Spoon Royal Icing into a piping bag fit with a small tip and pipe icing onto the cooled cookies. Add candies, crystals or colored sugar as desired. Allow the icing to dry completely. Store cookies in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes

  • Gingerbread recipe adapted from December 2011 Southern Living
  • Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 5915kcal | Carbohydrates: 985g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 118g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 488mg | Sodium: 2394mg | Potassium: 5845mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 454g | Vitamin A: 5687IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 895mg | Iron: 50mg
Rate our recipe!

Royal Icing

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Course: Dessert, Icing / Frosting
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
Classic royal icing for all your holiday decorating.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Meringue Powder

Instructions

  • Beat the sugar, water and Meringue Powder together until stiff peaks form.
  • Use immediately

Recipe Notes

  • Royal Icing adapted from Wilton
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 117g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
Rate our recipe!

Vanilla Glaze

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Course: Dessert
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
An easy glaze for all your holiday cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Stir ingredients together until smooth.
  • Lightly glaze each cookie as desired.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 4mg | Sugar: 118g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Here are a few more recipes you might also enjoy:

A sliced gingerbread roll cake on a place

Gingerbread Roll with Lemon Cream Filling

A piece of classic Gingerbread Cake topped with lemon whipped cream

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Cream

 

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies dusted with powdered sugar

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

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15 Comments

  1. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

    December 22, 2013 at 5:39 am

    These cookies are so pretty! Happy holidays!

    reply to this comment >
  2. Chris Scheuer says

    December 21, 2013 at 7:01 am

    First if all, that is one darling little boy. I think it would be very difficult to be stern with him! 🙂 Love your beautiful cookies, that first picture looks like a piece of art work! I had to laugh at your story about the dogs. I decorated a beautiful tree years ago, ironed a gorgeous white Battenburg lace skirt, had wrapped gits under the tree and it all looks so beautiful when we left for

    reply to this comment >
  3. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    December 20, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    Your grandson is so adorable! I can't wait to see my grandkids this weekend! Have a wonderful Christmas Tricia!<br />And a healthy new year!! xxoo Anna and Liz

    reply to this comment >
  4. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    December 20, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    How adorable your grandson! We love your cookies and could never make them as perfect and beautifully decorated as you did. Have a Merry Christmas ! xxoo Anna and Liz

    reply to this comment >
  5. katiethisdell.com says

    December 17, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    Beautiful cookies! And so funny about the dogs–I'm surprised they left any cookie remnants at all!

    reply to this comment >
  6. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    December 17, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Issac has a very addictive smile! Makes me want to smile, too! How lucky you are! These are gorgeous cookies, Tricia. I hope you had help decorating them! Or at least a peaceful day while you did! Have a great holiday!

    reply to this comment >
  7. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    December 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    What a cutie your little grandson is! I've enjoyed being the grandma to our two little grandsons since my husband and I had two girls. They make baking even more fun these days :)<br /><br />What gorgeous decorated gingerbread!

    reply to this comment >
  8. Bri says

    December 17, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Just wanted to say thanks for the memories and to tell you what gorgeous pictures of the cookies you took. You have a wonderful talent and I'm thrilled to say I know you!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 17, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Love you Bri! Can't wait to see you all soon. I'm bringing cookies and hope your wonderful sausage balls will be with you 🙂 Hug your cute husband for me!

      reply to this comment >
  9. Angie Schneider says

    December 17, 2013 at 4:54 am

    Those snowflakes are so gorgeous! You did an excellent icing those cookies, Tricia. Issac is a big boy now.

    reply to this comment >
  10. Sue/the view from great island says

    December 16, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    I love this post, Tricia! You chose such a beautiful and unusual color for the frosting on those snowflakes, and your grandson is too cute. I am looking for a gingerbread recipe to use with an old and very ornate cookie mold I have, I wonder if this recipe would hole the detail. Have a lovely week!<br />ps gonna share these on fb

    reply to this comment >
  11. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

    December 16, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    Wow – these are gorgeous!!! The icing looks delicious!

    reply to this comment >
  12. Mallory Frayn says

    December 16, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Wow these are so beautifully iced. I don't think I would have the patience or the skill for it but you did amazing!

    reply to this comment >
  13. Mary Bergfeld says

    December 16, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    The cookies are works of art, but your little guy is a treasure :-). Have a wonderful holiday. Blessings…Mary

    reply to this comment >
  14. Monica says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    Your grandson is such a cutie! And obviously has good taste in cookies! They came out beautifully. <br />I had a sugar cookie-decorating party for my son and 4 of his cousins yesterday. I was amazed by how well they worked and how competent – I keep thinking of them as wobbling toddlers! It was a load of fun…you'll be decorating with your grandson in no time.

    reply to this comment >

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