Description
At its foundation, gingerbread men with royal icing consists of a spiced, roll-out sugar cookie dough cut into human-shaped figures and decorated with a firm-setting white sugar icing. The dough relies on dark molasses and brown sugar for its signature deep amber color and soft, chewy texture. A robust blend of warm spices gives the cookie its iconic sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Royal Icing
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites, or 4 tbsp pasteurized liquid egg whites
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
- Food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a firm dough forms.
- Chill: Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
- Bake: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the icing: Beat powdered sugar, egg whites, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Add water a little at a time until the icing reaches your desired piping consistency.
- Decorate: Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired. Pipe faces, buttons, clothing, and other designs onto the completely cooled cookies.
- Set: Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For extra festive flavor, add a pinch of orange zest or a little extra cinnamon to the dough. Decorate the gingerbread men with colorful royal icing, sprinkles, or edible pearls for a fun holiday touch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 155 kcal
Keywords: iced gingerbread men cookies, gingerbread cookies with royal icing, decorated gingerbread man cookies