Gingerbread Cookies with Icing

Discovering gingerbread cookies with icing felt like unlocking a cozy holiday tradition in my kitchen. The first time I made them, the warm spices wrapped the whole house in comfort, instantly becoming a favorite treat.

I still remember when unexpected guests arrived right as I pulled the cookies out of the oven, and their smiles made all the waiting worth it.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: I always reach for unbleached flour for a purer flavor and fluffier dough
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: These spices fill the kitchen with a warm aroma that hints at the coming holidays
• Unsulphured molasses: This adds depth and rich sweetness, making each bite unique
• Powdered sugar: Sifted for smooth icing that spreads easily without lumps
• Unsalted butter: Softened to ensure creaminess and perfect texture

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour and spices so they meld and prepare the base for perfectly spiced cookies

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat until light and fluffy, this step sets the stage for the cookie's tender texture

Combine Wet and Dry:

Mix just until incorporated; the dough will feel slightly sticky and fragrant

Chill and Rest:

Wrap dough discs and chill for at least an hour allowing flavors to deepen and dough to firm up

Roll and Cut:

Dust your surface lightly with flour, roll to even thickness, and cut shapes that will bake evenly

Bake:

Watch for set edges and soft centers; the kitchen will smell like holiday hugs in the oven

Prepare Icing:

Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth, adding vanilla and optional color for fun decorating

Decorate:

Once cookies are cool, pipe or spoon icing on and let it set into sweet perfection

Save

This recipe became more than just food—it’s a comfort anchor during winter celebrations and a delightful way to bring loved ones together.

Keeping It Fresh

Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh up to a week, and layering them with parchment paper prevents sticking.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair these gingerbread cookies with a cup of spiced tea or warm apple cider to elevate the cozy experience during gatherings.

Making It Ahead for the Freezer

The dough freezes beautifully if wrapped well, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them without the full prep hassle.

• Before wrapping, flatten the dough discs for quicker thawing
• Label the package with date and ingredients for easy kitchen recall
• Freeze decorated cookies only if the icing is fully set to avoid smudging

Save

Thanks for spending this time in the kitchen together—may these cookies bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices give these gingerbread their distinctive flavor?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combine to create the warm, aromatic profile typical of gingerbread.

→ How can I get crisp edges and a soft center in these cookies?

Chilling the dough before baking helps control spread, and baking for 8-10 minutes ensures crisp edges with a soft middle.

→ What is the role of molasses in the dough?

Molasses adds moisture, deep color, and a rich, slightly tangy sweetness enhancing the overall taste.

→ Can the icing be tinted or decorated differently?

Yes, food coloring can be added to the vanilla icing for vibrant shades, and sprinkles or piping techniques can create decorative effects.

→ How should these cookies be stored to maintain freshness?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve texture and flavor.

→ Are there options for softer or crunchier textures?

Adjust baking time: shorter for chewier cookies, longer for crispier edges.