Gingerbread Cookies and the Royal Icing

This is one of the BEST reciped I have found for Gingerbread Cookies.  I have had so mant compliments from it.... so feel free to give it a try for yourself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

 

 

 

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ready in: 4 hours

Servings: 6 dozen = 72

 

 

Ingredients:

 

 6 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly

1 cup molasses

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup water

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

 

Directions:

 

Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger,nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside.

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, until they are completely absorbed.  Divide dough into 3 pieces, pat down to 1 1/2 inches thickness, wrap in a plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.  Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

 

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes in the preheated oven.  When the cookies are done, they will look dry, but still be soft to the touch.  Remove from the baking sheet to cool on wire racks.  When cool, the cookies can be frosted with the icing of your choice.

 

 

 

The Royal Icing Recipe

 

 

 

Makes 3 cups

 

3 Tablespoons meringue powder

4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar (powdered)

6 Tablespoons water

 

 

Beat all ingredients at low speed for 7 - 10 minutes, or until icing forms peaks. 

 

Tip: Keep icing covered with a wet kitchen towel at all times, the Icing can dry out quickly.

We'll our cookies aren't as polished as all these others that you see, but we are truly going to have time to brush up on our skills.  Gracie had alot of fun creating also.... we put her in the high chair right beside the kitchen counter and she gave all the orders and had her ABC cookie cutters scattered all over from her tray, in her seat and all over the floor.... she will be a big help when she is older! 



Now here is someone that loves color and was very happy and defiantly very creative with their gingerbread cookies.....