Save A festive and interactive cookie kit featuring soft gingerbread cookies, colorful icings, and assorted candies perfect for holiday gatherings or creative baking fun.
I love gathering my family around to decorate these gingerbread people as a fun holiday tradition that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Cookies: 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 2/3 cup (130 g) dark brown sugar packed, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsulfured molasses, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tbsp meringue powder, 3–4 tbsp water, Food coloring gels (red, green, blue, yellow as desired)
- Decorations: Assorted candies (mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, candy eyes, mini M&Ms, gumdrops etc.)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide in half flatten into disks wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 5:
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes place on prepared sheets.
- Step 6:
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Step 7:
- For royal icing whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water gradually to reach piping consistency. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Step 8:
- Arrange cookies bowls of icing and assorted candies on a large board or platter.
- Step 9:
- Invite everyone to decorate their own gingerbread people with icing and candies!
Save Decorating these cookies has created warm family memories and joyful moments each holiday season.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer Rolling pin Gingerbread people cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Cooling rack Icing piping bags or squeeze bottles Spatulas
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter) Some candies may contain nuts or soy always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 225 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 2 g per decorated cookie estimated
Save These gingerbread people decorating kits are perfect for engaging holiday creativity and making sweet memories.
Kitchen Guide
- → What spices give gingerbread its flavor?
Gingerbread is flavored primarily with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which combine to create its signature warm, spicy profile.
- → How do I achieve the perfect cookie thickness?
Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness for even baking and sturdy gingerbread figures that are easy to decorate.
- → What is royal icing and how is it made?
Royal icing is made from powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, whipped to a smooth consistency ideal for detailed decorating and hardening when dry.
- → Can icing colors be mixed to create custom shades?
Yes, you can blend food coloring gels to create a variety of shades for personalized decoration.
- → How long should cookies cool before decorating?
Let cookies cool completely on a rack before decorating to ensure the icing adheres well and doesn't melt.
- → What storage method keeps gingerbread fresh?
Store undecorated gingerbread in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain softness and flavor.