gingerbread man icing recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best gingerbread man icing recipe

I’ve been making this gingerbread man icing recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar is a game-changer.

It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a everyday snack. My kids love helping me make the icing, and they always get so excited when it’s time to decorate the cookies.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. I’ve made it with both white and brown sugar, and both ways are delicious.

The key to making great icing is to make sure it’s smooth and creamy, which is easily achieved by beating the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. I like to use a stand mixer for this job, but you can also do it by hand with a whisk.

Once you’ve got the icing mixed up, you can spread it on your favorite cookies or use it as a filling for cakes and pastries. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Gingerbread Man Icing Recipe

4.7 from 529 votes

Decorate your gingerbread men with this classic royal icing. It dries to a smooth finish making it perfect for detailed decorating and piping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Icing

3 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons meringue powder
4-6 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

For the Gingerbread Men

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup (120ml) molasses

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Mix well.
4In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
6Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
8The dough should be slightly sticky and smooth.
9Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
10This helps to firm up the dough making it easier to roll out.
11Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
12Cut out gingerbread man shapes using a cookie cutter.
13Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
14Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
15Allow the gingerbread men to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
16While the gingerbread men are cooling, prepare the icing.
17In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
18Mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined.
19Add the vanilla extract and mix until the icing is smooth and glossy.
20If the icing is too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time.
21If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
22Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use food coloring.
23Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired color is achieved.
24Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with your chosen tips.
25Once the gingerbread men are completely cool, decorate them with the icing.
26Use a piping bag to outline the gingerbread men first, then fill in the details.
27Allow the icing to dry completely before handling or storing the gingerbread men.
28This should take about 24 hours.
29If you are in a hurry you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Piping bags
Piping tips
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Store any leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Watch Video Of How Gingerbread Man Icing Recipe Works

This gingerbread man icing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a fun family night at home. It’s easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping you measure and mix the ingredients, and they’ll take so much pride in decorating their own gingerbread men. It’s a fun activity that also teaches them about measuring and following recipes.

I love seeing their creations come to life, and it’s a memory that we’ll all cherish for years to come. Plus, gingerbread is not just delicious but also has some health benefits and the icing is a great way to add a little extra sweetness and fun to your holiday baking. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does and it is always a good idea for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Man Icing

Q: What is the origin of gingerbread man icing?

Gingerbread man icing has its roots in traditional European baking. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar was likely influenced by the medieval baking traditions of England and France.

Q: Can I use this icing recipe for decorating cakes?

Yes, this icing recipe makes an excellent cake frosting. Simply adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.

Q: Is this icing recipe suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains butter and cream cheese, which are not suitable for a vegan diet.

Q: Can I store this icing in the fridge?

Yes, you can store this icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: What if I want a lighter consistency for my icing?

Add a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream to thin out the mixture until you achieve your desired consistency.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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