Gingerbread Cookies with Icing (Printable)

Classic spiced gingerbread delights with crisp edges and soft centers accented by sweet decorative icing.

# What You Need:

→ Gingerbread Cookies

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Icing

12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - Optional: food coloring

# How To Cook:

01 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
02 - Add the egg and molasses to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
08 - Place cut shapes on baking sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges become firm. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth; add additional milk to reach desired consistency.
11 - Divide the icing, color as desired, then pipe or spread onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to set before serving or storing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels like sharing a festive secret with a close friend, the way the spices sneak up delightfully in every bite
  • This recipe became a favorite because the icing adds that perfect sweet touch to make cookies that look as good as they taste
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is essential for shaping clean cookie edges, don't skip it even if you're impatient
  • Using freshly ground spices makes a noticeable difference that truly elevates the flavor
03 -
  • Beat the butter and sugar long enough to get that fluffy texture—it changes how the dough comes together
  • The secret to perfect icing consistency is adding milk little by little so you control thick or thin as needed

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