This dough freezes very well so get your holiday baking out of the way now!
Directions for: Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cookiescup vegetable shortening or unsalted butter at room temperature
cup sugar
1 large egg
cup blackstrap molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
cup grated fresh ginger
3 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
tsp baking soda
tsp ground cloves
Royal Icing for Iced Gingerbre3 Tbsp meringue powder (available at cake stores and bulk stores)
cup warm water
4 cup icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
tsp cream of tartar
food colouring, as needed
To Decorate CookiesDirections
Gingerbread Cookies1. Cream shortening (or butter) and sugar until fluffy and beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in molasses and grated ginger until evenly blended. In a separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients and add to molasses mixture, stirring just until dough comes together. Shape dough into 2 discs and chill for at least 2 hours before rolling.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 disc to just over 1/8-inch thick. Cut out desired shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (If using cookies as decoration, put a small hole where a string will go to tie it). Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are firm to touch. Allow to cool completely.
Royal Icing for Iced Gingerbre1. Stir together all ingredients to blend, then beat with electric beaters on high speed until mixture is stiff, about 7 minutes. Tint portions of icing as desired.
2. To store, keep icing tightly covered, with plastic wrap resting directly on surface of icing.
To Decorate Cookies1. Tools:
2. Pipe icing as desired on cookies.
3. Have fun and play!!!
See more: Kid-Friendly, Eggs/Dairy, Bake, Dessert, Snack, Birthday Party