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dessert

Gingerbread Cookies Royal Icing

By Grandma Millie

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Decorated gingerbread cookies with royal icing on a wooden table.

Gingerbread cookies royal icing bring instant holiday cheer, filling your kitchen with warm spice and sweet nostalgia as the cutouts bake. Once cooled, a smooth royal icing sweetened with maple syrup gives you the perfect canvas for snowflakes, stars, and cheerful little characters. Natural color powders like beet or spinach add a festive pop, turning each cookie into edible art. Invite kids to help with the decorating, pour a mug of spiced apple cider, and let gingerbread cookies royal icing make every gathering feel extra merry.

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 2 hrs 32 mins
Serves: 24 servings
Calories: 90
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Gingerbread Cookies Royal Icing

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Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
icing drying time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 32 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar (For sweetening and thickening the icing.)
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder (Or substitute with 1 egg white for stability.)
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (To achieve the right consistency.)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (For added flavor.)
  • as needed gel food coloring (Optional for decorating.)

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl — For combining ingredients.
  • 1 Electric mixer — For beating the icing.
  • Piping Bags Piping Bags — For decorating cookies.

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder or egg white.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Add water and vanilla extract gradually, beating on low speed until the icing is smooth.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Increase speed to medium and beat until stiff peaks form, about 3–5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring if desired.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate cooled gingerbread cookies.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Let icing dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving or stacking.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories90
Fat0g
Protein0g
Carbs24g

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread cookies royal icing

  • Deliciously spiced flavor that warms your heart.
  • Fun to decorate, making it a perfect family activity.
  • Sturdy enough for intricate designs with royal icing.
  • Great for gifting or holiday parties, spreading joy.

Ingredients

Here are the delightful ingredients needed to make your Gingerbread cookies with royal icing!

Ingredients for royal icing on a kitchen table.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar – for sweetening and thickening the icing
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder – or substitute with 1 egg white for stability
  • 2–3 tablespoons water – to achieve the right consistency
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – for added flavor
  • gel food coloring – optional for decorating

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Royal Icing

Making Gingerbread cookies with royal icing is a delightful holiday tradition. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes. Allow an extra 2 hours for the icing to dry before serving or stacking your cookies.

Step-by-step process of making gingerbread cookies royal icing, divided into four sections.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder or egg white.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Add water and vanilla extract gradually, beating on low speed until the icing is smooth.

Step 3: Beat for Stiff Peaks

Increase speed to medium and beat until stiff peaks form, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Tint the Icing

Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring if desired.

Step 5: Decorate Cookies

Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate cooled gingerbread cookies.

Step 6: Let Icing Dry

Let icing dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving or stacking.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Extra Time120 minutes (Icing Drying Time)
Total Time152 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves24 servings
Best ServedDecorated and festive!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cookies Royal Icing

  • Chill your dough for at least an hour to make rolling easier.
  • Use a piping bag for precise royal icing application.
  • Let your cookies cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
  • Add a touch of lemon juice to your icing for a delightful zing.
  • Experiment with different colors and designs for a festive touch!

How to Serve this Gingerbread cookies royal icing

  • Pair with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
  • Serve alongside a glass of creamy almond milk for a delightful contrast.
  • Decorate a festive platter with assorted cookies for a holiday gathering.
  • Use as a fun activity for kids by letting them decorate their own cookies.
  • Gift a box of beautifully decorated cookies to friends and family.
  • Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your gingerbread cookies and royal icing fresh with these simple storage tips:

Storing Gingerbread cookies royal icing Leftovers

  • Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
  • Place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
  • Store at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Keep royal icing in a sealed container to prevent hardening.

Freezing Gingerbread cookies royal icing

  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Freeze for up to three months for best quality.
  • Royal icing can be frozen in a piping bag; just thaw before use.

Reheating Gingerbread cookies royal icing

  • Thaw cookies in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
  • Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Decorate with fresh royal icing after reheating if needed.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

As you dive into making these delightful Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing, remember the joy they bring! The aroma of spices and the sweet, colorful icing will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and decorating, and share these treats with loved ones. Happy baking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

How do you make royal icing for gingerbread?
To make royal icing for gingerbread, you’ll need powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder as a substitute), and a bit of water. Start by sifting the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the egg whites and mix on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed and beat until the icing is glossy and holds stiff peaks. If you want a thinner consistency for flooding, add a little water until you reach your desired thickness.
Which cookie is best for royal icing?
The best cookies for royal icing are those that are sturdy and can hold their shape, such as gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. Gingerbread cookies are particularly great because their spiced flavor complements the sweetness of the royal icing beautifully. Make sure to let your cookies cool completely before decorating to ensure the icing adheres well and doesn’t melt into the cookie.
What is the 10 second rule for royal icing?
The 10 second rule for royal icing refers to the time it takes for the icing to smooth out after being piped onto a cookie. If you drizzle a line of icing and it takes about 10 seconds for the surface to smooth back out, then the consistency is just right for flooding. This rule helps you achieve a nice, even layer of icing without any unsightly peaks or bumps.
Can you use royal icing for cookies?
Absolutely! Royal icing is perfect for decorating cookies. It dries hard, making it ideal for intricate designs and decorations. You can use it for outlining, flooding, and even creating detailed decorations. Just remember to let each layer dry completely before adding more icing or decorations to avoid smudging your beautiful designs.

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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