Classic Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

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Warm, spiced, and beautifully decorated, these Classic Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies are a holiday must-have! With their rich molasses flavor and delicate royal icing designs, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or adorning your Christmas table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless Tradition: Classic gingerbread cookies bring back holiday memories.
• Customizable Designs: Unleash your creativity with intricate snowflake patterns.
• Perfect Texture: Soft yet sturdy cookies hold up well for decorating.
• Festive Fun: A delightful activity for the whole family!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger 🌟
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 🍂
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves 🌸
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed 🍯
• 1 large egg 🥚
• ½ cup molasses 🥄
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿

For the Royal Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar 🍭
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder 🍳
• 3-4 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency) 💧
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) 🌿

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Form the Dough:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Use your hands to knead slightly if needed to bring the dough together.
5. Chill the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap.
   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one portion of the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Cut the Cookies:
   • Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
   • Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake:
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to darken.
   • The cookies will firm up as they cool.
2. Cool Completely:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Royal Icing

1. Prepare the Icing:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons of water until the icing forms stiff peaks.
   • Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, for a thinner consistency.
2. Flavor (Optional):
   • Mix in vanilla extract for added flavor.
3. Set Up for Decorating:
   • Transfer the icing to piping bags with fine tips for intricate designs.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

1. Design Your Snowflakes:
   • Pipe the royal icing onto the cookies in snowflake patterns or any design you prefer.
2. Set the Icing:
   • Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Snowflakes

1. Chill the Dough:
   • Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading and keeps the shapes crisp.
2. Use High-Quality Molasses:
   • For rich flavor, opt for unsulphured molasses.
3. Consistency is Key:
   • Adjust the royal icing’s thickness based on your design needs (thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding).
4. Practice Your Piping:
   • Test designs on parchment paper before decorating the cookies.
5. Add Sparkle:
   • Use edible glitter or sanding sugar for a frosty finish.

Creative Variations

• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Gingerbread: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Personalized Designs: Let kids create their own holiday patterns or add names for a personalized touch.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

• Serve with Warm Drinks: Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider for a cozy treat.
• Gift-Worthy: Arrange in festive tins or wrap in clear cellophane bags with ribbons.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer freshness.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

These gingerbread cookies embody the holiday spirit with their fragrant spices and intricate designs. Baking and decorating them is a joyful activity, whether you’re crafting them solo or with loved ones. Not only do they taste divine, but they also double as edible decorations for your table or tree.