Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies are a festive and beautiful holiday treat that combine the rich, spicy flavor of gingerbread with a touch of winter magic. The star-shaped cookies are decorated with a snowy dusting of royal icing, creating the perfect contrast against the warm, spiced gingerbread base. With their delicate design and irresistible flavor, they’re the ideal cookie for holiday gifting, parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
I first made these cookies when I wanted a winter-themed dessert that would capture the essence of the season. The gingerbread flavor with the sweet, snowy icing was the perfect combination. The moment they were finished, I couldn’t help but admire how each cookie looked like a tiny winter wonderland, dusted in snow.
What I love most about this recipe is how it captures both the warmth of the holidays through the gingerbread and the coolness of winter with the snowy icing. You can add a bit of sparkle with edible glitter or simple snowflake patterns. Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but a beautiful addition to any holiday table or gift basket!
Perfect for:
- Holiday celebrations
- Gift-giving
- Cookie exchanges
- Christmas parties
- Gingerbread lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies will be your new holiday favorite:
- Festive and Fun: These cookies are perfect for decorating and adding a touch of cheer to your holiday celebrations.
- Perfect Balance of Spice and Sweetness: The gingerbread flavor is wonderfully spiced with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Crisp and Chewy Texture: These cookies are a perfect mix of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
- Versatile Decorations: The snow-like icing can be customized with different designs or colors for unique holiday flair.
- Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a festive tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
- Easy to Make: While they look impressive, these cookies are easy to make and require minimal equipment.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for holiday prep and storage.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Decorating these cookies is a fun activity for kids or anyone who loves holiday crafting.
- Impressively Pretty: The snow-capped design makes these cookies look as stunning as they taste.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust the amount of spice for a more subtle or stronger gingerbread flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per cookie: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ 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 unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon meringue powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Colored sugar
- Edible glitter
Ingredient Highlights
- Molasses: Adds depth and richness to the gingerbread flavor.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates the signature taste of gingerbread.
- Meringue Powder: Helps create the perfect consistency for icing, allowing for smooth and snow-like coverage.
- Butter: Provides a rich, smooth texture for the cookie dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Gingerbread Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Once chilled, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Icing:
- Make Icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and stiff, forming a pipable consistency.
- Decorate Cookies: Use a piping bag or a small spoon to ice the edges of the cookies, allowing the icing to drip down and cover the surface like snow.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Let the icing set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies:
- As Holiday Gifts: Pack them in festive tins or bags to give as thoughtful, homemade gifts.
- Cookie Exchange: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps.
- Holiday Table Decor: Arrange them on a platter for a gorgeous, edible centerpiece at your Christmas dinner.
- With Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm mug of cocoa for a cozy treat.
- At a Christmas Party: Serve as part of your holiday dessert spread.
- As Stocking Stuffers: Perfect for filling Christmas stockings with a sweet surprise.
- For Family Holiday Baking: A fun activity for all ages to enjoy during the holiday season.
- With Milk: These gingerbread cookies are the perfect dunking cookie to enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
- On a Holiday Cookie Platter: Add these cookies to a festive platter of assorted holiday treats.
- For Santa: Leave these cookies out for Santa along with a glass of milk on Christmas Eve.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is key to making these cookies firm and easy to cut.
- Use Piping Bags: For cleaner, more precise icing, use a piping bag with a fine tip.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden to keep them soft.
- Customize the Icing: Feel free to add food coloring to the icing for a more festive look.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Use vegan butter and a flax egg as substitutes.
- Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread Stars: After icing, dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate for a rich twist.
- Orange-Spiced Gingerbread: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
- Gluten-Free Gingerbread: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Maple Icing: Substitute molasses for maple syrup in the icing for a different sweet flavor.
- Spicy Gingerbread Stars: Add extra ground ginger or cayenne pepper for a spicier bite.
Special Equipment
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Cookie Cutters: Star-shaped cutters for festive designs.
- Piping Bag and Tip: For creating smooth, decorative icing.
- Wire Rack: To cool the cookies completely before decorating.
- Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different shape for the cookies?
Yes, feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you like, but star shapes are especially festive for the holidays. - How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw before rolling. - Can I use a different icing?
Yes, royal icing or fondant could be used, but meringue icing gives a nice snow-like effect. - What can I substitute for molasses?
Dark corn syrup or honey can be used, though the flavor will change slightly. - Can I decorate these cookies with sprinkles?
Yes! Sprinkles add a fun, colorful touch to the snow-capped cookies. - Can I make the cookies smaller?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time by a minute or two if you make them smaller. - How do I avoid the icing running?
Let the icing set for a few minutes before moving the cookies to avoid drips. - Can I skip the snow-like icing?
Yes, the cookies are delicious without icing as well, but it adds a beautiful festive touch. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and ice these cookies a few days ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies are the perfect holiday treat—spiced gingerbread cookies adorned with a dusting of snowy white icing that sparkles like a winter wonderland. These cookies are crisp yet tender, with warm flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger that evoke all the cozy feelings of the season.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and elegance. The gingerbread stars are baked to perfection, then topped with royal icing or a glaze for a beautiful, frosty effect. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar for a magical, snow-capped finish. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing with loved ones, or adding them to your holiday dessert table, these cookies are sure to dazzle.
I’d love to see your Snow-Capped Gingerbread Star Cookies creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your sparkling stars. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite tips or festive decorations that made your cookies extra special!