Gingerbread and Iced Snowflake Cookies are a festive holiday treat that brings the warmth of spices and the joy of decorating together. These cookies are made with a perfectly spiced gingerbread dough, rolled out and cut into snowflake shapes, then baked until golden. The fun begins when you top them with royal icing to create intricate, frosty designs that add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations.
I first made these cookies as part of a holiday tradition, and the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filling the kitchen instantly brought the spirit of the season to life. The decorating process was not only fun but also a wonderful way to gather family and friends around the table. Each cookie became a little work of art, unique and beautiful in its own way.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep the designs simple with swirls and dots, or go all out with elaborate snowflake patterns. The dough is easy to work with, and you can even make other holiday shapes if you’d like. Gingerbread and Iced Snowflake Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat, and they’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Perfect for:
- Holiday celebrations
- Cookie exchanges
- Christmas gatherings
- Winter parties
- Gingerbread lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Gingerbread and Iced Snowflake Cookies will be your new favorite holiday treat:
- Classic Holiday Flavor: The warm spices of gingerbread create a comforting, festive flavor.
- Stunning Presentation: The snowflake designs look beautiful and make these cookies a centerpiece of your holiday spread.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp edges with a soft, chewy center make for a delightful bite.
- Customizable Icing: Decorate with royal icing to match your theme, or keep it simple for an understated look.
- Fun to Decorate: These cookies provide the perfect canvas for creative decorating.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box, these cookies make an excellent homemade gift.
- Family-Friendly Activity: Perfect for baking and decorating with loved ones during the holidays.
- Easy to Make: The dough can be prepared ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Versatile Flavor Options: You can add more spices or even mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Freeze Well: Make a big batch and freeze some for later use or gifting.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling and decorating)
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg white (or 1 tablespoon meringue powder)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Edible glitter
- Colored sugars
- Sprinkles
Ingredient Highlights
- Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and the signature dark color to the gingerbread.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create the perfect aromatic balance.
- Royal Icing: Sets firmly, creating a glossy, smooth finish for decorating.
- Butter: Ensures the cookies have a rich, tender crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Gingerbread Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and slightly golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Royal Icing:
- Whip the Icing: In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder), lemon juice, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Color the Icing (optional): Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring as desired for decorating.
Decorate the Cookies:
- Pipe the Icing: Using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, pipe snowflake designs onto the cooled cookies.
- Let the Icing Set: Allow the icing to harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Add Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with edible glitter or colored sugars for a festive touch.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the iced cookies on a platter and serve to your guests.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Gingerbread and Iced Snowflake Cookies:
- As a Holiday Treat: Serve as a festive snack at Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties.
- On a Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies alongside other seasonal favorites for a cookie exchange.
- With Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
- As Gifts: Package in a decorative tin or box to gift to friends and family.
- For a Festive Tea: Serve as an elegant addition to afternoon tea or a winter brunch.
- As Stocking Stuffers: Place them in stockings for a fun, edible surprise.
- On a Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station for kids to add their own designs.
- With Ice Cream: Crumble on top of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- On a Holiday Buffet: Display as part of a festive holiday dessert spread.
- For Cookie Decorating Parties: Invite friends to help decorate and enjoy together.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Make sure the dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling out to prevent sticking and ensure a crisp texture.
- Adjust the Icing Consistency: If your royal icing is too thick, add a little water. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
- Use a Toothpick for Detail: For finer details, use a toothpick to spread the icing or fix any small errors.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Decorate with Precision: For intricate designs, use a small piping tip or a fine-tipped pen for detail work.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Gingerbread Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies: Replace some of the molasses with melted dark chocolate for a rich, chocolatey version.
- Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg in place of the egg.
- Spicy Gingerbread Cookies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Nutty Gingerbread Cookies: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Iced Christmas Tree Cookies: Use a Christmas tree-shaped cutter and decorate with green icing for a different holiday look.
- Glazed Gingerbread Cookies: Instead of royal icing, use a simple sugar glaze for a lighter finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coated Gingerbread Cookies: Instead of icing, roll cookies in cinnamon sugar for a simpler treat.
Special Equipment
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness.
- Cookie Cutters: For shaping the cookies into festive snowflakes.
- Piping Bag and Tips: For decorating with royal icing.
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the baked cookies.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and icing.
- Spatula: For transferring cookies to the cooling rack.
FAQ Section
- Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before rolling out. - Can I use store-bought icing?
Yes, store-bought royal icing works well for decorating, but homemade tends to give the best results. - How long do these cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container. - Can I use an alternative to royal icing?
Yes, you can use a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk as an alternative to royal icing. - What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent the icing from sticking. - Can I make these cookies without icing?
Absolutely! The gingerbread cookies are delicious on their own, or you can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking. - How can I make these cookies spicier?
Add extra ginger or cinnamon to the dough for a stronger flavor. - Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Fresh ginger can be used, but reduce the amount by half to avoid overwhelming the flavor. - Can I use an electric mixer for the dough?
Yes, an electric mixer works great for creaming the butter and sugar, and mixing the dough. - What if my royal icing is too runny?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Conclusion
Gingerbread and Iced Snowflake Cookies are a delightful and festive way to celebrate the holidays. With their aromatic gingerbread flavor, crisp texture, and beautiful snowflake decorations, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or displaying at your next celebration. Whether you decorate them creatively or enjoy them plain, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your winter festivities!