Moist and chewy, these gingerbread cookies are loved by one and all.Recipe courtesy Anna Olson, host of Sugar.
ingredients
Gingerbread
Royal Icing
directions
Cream shortening (or butter) and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in molasses and grated ginger until evenly blended.
In a separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients and add to molasses mixture, stirring just until dough comes together. Shape dough into 2 discs and chill for at least 2 hours before rolling.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 disc to just over 1/8-inch thick. Cut out desired shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (If using cookies as decoration, put a small hole where a string will go to tie it). Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are firm to the touch. Cool completely before decorating.
Stir together all ingredients to blend, then beat with electric beaters on high speed until mixture is stiff, about 7 minutes. Tint portions of icing with food colouring, as desired.
To store, keep icing tightly covered, with plastic wrap resting directly on surface of icing. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.