I’m in the mood for holiday food. Over the next few days I am going to be sharing some holiday recipes. I love gingerbread cookies! These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating and gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Royal icing (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until¹ just combined.
4. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.

Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder*
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5-6 tablespoons water

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and spreadable.

*If you need a substitute for meringue powder, you can use an equal amount of reconstituted egg white powder mixed with water, a slightly smaller amount of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), or a gelatin mixture made with warm water and gelatin powder – just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly depending on the substitute you choose.

Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of hot cocoa, glass of milk, coffee, or tea!