Print

Perfect Soft Gingerbread People Recipe with Easy Royal Icing and Sparkling Sugar Tips

soft gingerbread people - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and festive gingerbread cookie recipe featuring a soft texture, easy royal icing for decorating, and a sparkling sugar finish for a delightful crunch and shimmer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For royal icing:
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • A pinch of salt
  • Finishing touch:
  • About ¼ cup sparkling sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter with brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add molasses and egg: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry flour mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Fold in any remaining flour by hand. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Chill the dough: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut: Roll dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness on a floured surface. Cut shapes with gingerbread person cookie cutter and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cookies firm up as they cool.
  9. Cool cookies completely on wire racks before decorating.
  10. Prepare royal icing: Beat powdered sugar with egg whites, lemon juice, and salt until glossy and smooth. Adjust consistency with water or powdered sugar as needed.
  11. Decorate: Pipe royal icing onto cookies using piping bags with small round tips. Sprinkle sparkling sugar immediately before icing sets. Let dry for several hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and easier rolling. Use pasteurized egg whites for safety in royal icing. Let icing dry completely before stacking or packaging. Adjust royal icing consistency for piping ease. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, soft gingerbread, royal icing, holiday cookies, sparkling sugar, festive treats, gingerbread people

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/perfect-soft-gingerbread-people-recipe-with-easy-royal-icing-and-sparkling-sugar-tips/