Save to Pinterest A festive and interactive cookie kit featuring soft gingerbread cookies, colorful icings, and assorted candies perfect for holiday gatherings or creative baking fun.
I loved making these gingerbread people with my family last year, creating a joyful holiday tradition filled with laughter and creativity
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 to Pinterest Making these cookies turned into a cherished family moment with everyone adding their own creative touches and enjoying sweet treats together
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
Save to Pinterest This gingerbread decorating board is sure to bring joy and festive spirit to your holiday gatherings
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread dough?
The dough includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of salt and baking soda for balance.
- → How can I make the cookies softer or crispier?
Bake for 10 minutes for softer edges and up to 12 minutes for a crispier texture.
- → What ingredients are in the decorating icing?
Royal icing is made from powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, tinted with food coloring for vibrant shades.
- → How should the cookies be stored before decorating?
Keep undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Are there tools recommended for decorating?
Use piping bags or squeeze bottles along with spatulas for precise icing application and candy placement.