Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

The below recipe allows you to incorporate a variety of Christmas symbols using a delicious gingerbread cookie recipe. Visit our Christmas Symbols page to learn more about the meaning of various Christmas symbols.

Ingredients:

Cookies:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 egg

Frosting:
3 ounces (6 Tablespoons) pasteurized egg whites*
Pinch cream of tartar
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring

*Due to concern about the risk of salmonella in raw eggs, instead of 2 egg whites, we are recommending 3 ounces of pasteurized egg whites (they can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores). As another option, you can use meringue powder (2 T meringue powder + 4 T water).

Directions:

1. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in molasses and orange zest, then beat in egg until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients, and beat until smooth. Refridgerate until firm.
5. Roll out dough, cut shapes and cook for about 8 minutes at 350 degrees.
6. For Frosting: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, and beat until stiff (2-3 minutes).
7. Frost cookies with icing. Dip a toothpick into food coloring, and swirl on top of cookies to create a marbled effect.

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