Best 11 Gingerbread Cookie Frosting Recipes

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Indulge in the sweet and festive tradition of gingerbread cookies with our carefully curated collection of frosting recipes. From classic to modern flavors, simple to intricate designs, these frostings will elevate your gingerbread creations into edible masterpieces. Discover the timeless charm of royal icing with its crisp, white elegance or embrace the rich, creamy decadence of cream cheese frosting. Explore the tangy delight of lemon frosting, perfect for a refreshing twist, or the irresistible allure of chocolate ganache, a true indulgence for chocolate lovers. Each frosting recipe is crafted with detailed instructions, ensuring a smooth and successful frosting experience. Get ready to transform your gingerbread cookies into works of art that will delight the eyes and tantalize the taste buds.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

GINGERBREAD FROSTING FOR COOKIES



Gingerbread Frosting for Cookies image

This delicious, thick frosting is a perfect topping for snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, or even on a gingerbread house! It makes enough for 12 average size cookies.

Provided by allybaker22

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Cookie Frosting

Time 15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

½ cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon nonfat milk
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ginger

Steps:

  • Place the confectioners' sugar in a bowl, and stir in the milk until smooth. Mix in the cinnamon, cloves, and ginger until thoroughly blended. Spread on cookies of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 20.4 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 0.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH ORANGE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Buttercream Frosting image

My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe. The cookies are soft and cakey. The orange buttercream icing really ties the flavors together.

Provided by Jasmin

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup molasses
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
3 teaspoons baking soda, divided
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
3 cups powdered sugar, or more as needed
1 cup butter, softened
2 oranges, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Combine 1 cup butter and sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in molasses and egg until combined.
  • Mix together buttermilk and 2 teaspoons baking soda in a small bowl. Mix vinegar with remaining 1 teaspoon baking soda in another small bowl. Add the buttermilk mixture to the molasses-egg mixture. Then add vinegar mixture, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt; mix until well combined.
  • Gradually stir in 4 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator until chilled, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place chilled dough on a floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with desired cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool, 8 to 10 minutes more.
  • While cookies are cooling, place 3 cups powdered sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and 1/3 cup orange juice in a bowl. Discard remaining orange juice, or save for another use. Beat frosting ingredients with an electric mixer until consistency is similar to fondant or modeling dough, adding more powdered sugar, if necessary. Frost cookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.3 calories, Carbohydrate 51.1 g, Cholesterol 47.9 mg, Fat 15.9 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 333.9 mg, Sugar 32.1 g

GINGERBREAD HOUSE FROSTING



Gingerbread House Frosting image

Share this kitchen-tested recipe from the Betty Crocker Kitchens with someone you love.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shortening
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
Red, green and yellow food color, as desired

Steps:

  • Beat all ingredients except food colors until smooth enough to spread, beating in additional milk if needed. Leave most of frosting white; remove and tint small amounts of frosting with food colors for decorating front of house.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize About 2 1/2 Tablespoons

GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Gingerbread Cookies image

These traditional cookies came to The Times by way of Jennifer Steinhauer in an article about her grandmother's beloved Christmas cookie recipes. Isabelle Steinhauer would bake between "15 and 20 varieties each season: cream cheese wreaths shot from a cookie press; papery wafers carefully dipped in colored sugar; elaborate cutout cookies of nursery rhyme characters, their eyes fashioned from metallic dragées that the F.D.A. has written off as inedible; all manner of confections with nuts." There's nothing fancy about these gingerbread cookies, but they are tender, gently spiced (feel free to add more to taste) and completely wonderful with a glass of cold milk. If you don't like using shortening, some readers have had good luck using half solid coconut oil and half softened butter instead.

Provided by Jennifer Steinhauer

Categories     brunch, easy, lunch, dessert

Time 1h

Yield 3 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup light molasses
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, more for rolling dough
Royal icing and cinnamon candies, for decorating, optional.

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, molasses and shortening. Place over medium-low heat and stir just until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in baking soda and 1/4 cup cold water. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Add egg, salt, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and cloves; stir to mix well. Add 4 cups flour and mix well, adding up to 1/2 cup more if dough seems sticky. Shape into a ball, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into gingerbread boy shapes with a 5-inch-long cookie cutter. Arrange on baking sheets 1 1/2 inches apart, and bake until risen and no longer shiny, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow cookies to cool. If desired, decorate with royal icing and cinnamon candies. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 149, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 132 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 1 gram

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING



Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     dessert

Time 1h18m

Yield 12 to 15 cookies, depending upon your cookie cutters

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package sugar cookie mix
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large egg whites or 5 tablespoons meringue powder
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Food coloring, if desired

Steps:

  • For Gingerbread Cookies:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, blend all ingredients together and chill for up to 1 hour. Roll dough out on floured board about 1/8-inch thick. Cut desired shapes with cookie cutters and place onto sheet pan. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.
  • For Royal Icing:
  • With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice or extract until frothy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined, smooth, and shiny. Turn to high and beat approximately 5 minutes till stiff and glossy. Add food coloring, if desired, and transfer to a pasty bag to pipe onto cookies.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting image

Looking for a new recipe for your holiday cookie swap? Try these reduced-sugar and low-calorie gingerbread cookies made with Stevia In The Raw® and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Provided by In The Raw

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     In The Raw® Sweeteners

Time 1h45m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
¼ cup applesauce
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 large egg
1 (4 ounce) package cold cream cheese, cubed
½ stick unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
½ teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, stevia, molasses, applesauce, ginger, and egg. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough. Roll dough into balls. Place on the baking sheet 1 inch apart. Very slightly flatten cookies with your palm.
  • Bake until puffy and set, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • For frosting, in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until very smooth. With mixer running, add butter a little at a time, beating constantly. Add powdered sugar, stevia, and vanilla and beat just until smooth.
  • Use a small offset spatula to spread frosting on top of cookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 93.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.1 g, Cholesterol 14.4 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 97.1 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH TWO TYPES OF GINGERBREAD COOKIE FROSTING



Gingerbread cookies with two types of gingerbread cookie frosting image

This soft gingerbread cookie requires no chilling and rolls like a dream. Perfect for cut-out and stamped cookies alike. Since we couldn't pick a favorite gingerbread cookie frosting, we've provided two.

Provided by cookspacebrooklyninfo

Categories     Dessert

Number Of Ingredients 19

6 tbsp unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
1 large egg yolk
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp meringue powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp warm water

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 F. Put cookie stamps in the freezer to chill, if using. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container for several days.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer using a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and molasses on medium speed. Beat the egg yolk into the creamed mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that that the dough is thoroughly mixed.
  • Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until the dough comes together.
  • Turn the gingerbread cookie dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead until all the floury bits are mixed in.
  • Flatten the gingerbread dough into a disk. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. You only need to chill this dough if it's very soft.
  • Use a cookie cutter or cookie stamps to cut out the cookies. Transfer the cookies to the prepared cookie sheet.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until just set. Remove to wire racks to cool fully.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whip attachment, beat 2 tbs meringue powder into 1/4 cup cold water on medium-high speed until peaks form.
  • Beat confectioners' sugar into the meringue until desired consistency is reached. Add more sugar for stiffer icing, or a droplet of water to soften icing consistency.
  • Use a disposable 16-inch piping bag with a small round tip and lots of Christmas sprinkles to decorate cookies.
  • Whisk the glaze ingredients together until they become a smooth, thin glaze. Add water if too thick. The glaze should have the consistency of maple syrup.
  • Brush the glaze on the cooled cookies. Let glaze set fully before serving.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING



Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing image

Molasses, ginger, allspice, cinnamon and cloves bring robust flavor to a classic holiday cookie.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h40m

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup mild-flavor or full-flavor molasses
1/3 cup cold water
3 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon meringue powder
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup powdered sugar
Granulated sugar, if desired

Steps:

  • In large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, molasses and cold water with electric mixer on medium speed (or with wooden spoon) until well mixed. Mixture may look curdled. With wooden spoon, stir in remaining cookie ingredients until soft dough forms. Wrap with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
  • Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray cookie sheets with cooking spray. On floured surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick.
  • Cut dough with floured 3 1/2- by 2 1/2-inch gingerbread boy or girl cookie cutter or other cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Reroll dough, and cut additional cookies.
  • Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Cool cookie sheets 10 minutes between batches. Cool cookies completely, about 30 minutes.
  • In medium bowl, beat meringue powder and cold water with electric mixer on medium speed until peaks form. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Spoon icing into decorating bag fitted with medium round tip, and pipe over cookies. Sprinkle with sugar. Let stand about 5 minutes or until icing is set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Cookie, Sodium 65 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH LEMON FROSTING



Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting image

When I spread these spicy gingerbread rounds with my lemony cream cheese frosting, I knew I had a hit. Cardamom and allspice add a hint of chai tea flavor. -Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and molasses. In another bowl, whisk the next 8 ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture., Shape into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until tops are cracked, 8-10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cookies. Refrigerate in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH BUTTERCREAM ICING



Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing image

When it's time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it's too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. -Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

2/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger
ICING:
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 teaspoon butter flavoring
3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight., On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. cookie cutter into desired shapes. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks., For icing, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, extracts and flavoring in a bowl. Gradually stir in enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost cookies.

Nutrition Facts :

FROSTING FOR GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Frosting for Gingerbread Cookies image

This makes a hard glaze/frosting for gingerbread (or other rolled cookies if you change the extract to almond or vanilla)

Provided by Linky

Categories     Dessert

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar, confectioners
1 -2 tablespoon butter, softened
1 -2 teaspoon lemon juice
water
milk

Steps:

  • Mix sugar, butter and lemon juice.
  • If too thick add a little milk or water.
  • If too thin, add more powdered sugar!
  • Can divide into portions and tint.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 876.9, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 103.4, Carbohydrate 200.3, Sugar 199.7, Protein 0.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger has a more intense flavor than ground ginger, and it will give your frosting a more authentic gingerbread taste.
  • Don't overbeat the frosting: Overbeating the frosting will make it stiff and crumbly. Beat it just until it is smooth and creamy.
  • Add flavorings: You can add other flavors to your gingerbread frosting, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can also add a splash of molasses or dark rum for a richer flavor.
  • Use the frosting immediately: Gingerbread frosting is best used immediately after it is made. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread cookie frosting is a delicious and easy way to decorate your holiday cookies. It is also a great way to use up leftover gingerbread spices. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious and festive frosting that will make your cookies look and taste their best.

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