Classic Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Soft centers, crispy edges, and perfectly spiced. This cookie is a classic for a reason, and it won’t disappoint!

Ingredients:

Gingerbread:

• 1 package sugar cookie mix
• 1 Egg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ cup dark molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing:

• 2 large egg whites or 5 tablespoons meringue powder
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• Food coloring, if desired

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend all ingredients together and chill for up to 1 hour.
3. Roll dough out on floured board about 1/8-inch thick.
4. Cut desired shapes with cookie cutters and place onto sheet pan.
5. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.

Icing:

1. With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice or extract until frothy.
2. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined, smooth, and shiny.
3. Turn to high and beat approximately 5 minutes till stiff and glossy.
4. Add food coloring, if desired, and transfer to a pastry bag to pipe onto cookies.