Best 10 Gingerbread Icing Recipes

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Gingerbread, a classic holiday treat, is a delectable combination of sweet and spicy flavors. It's often associated with Christmas and the winter season, conjuring up images of cozy fireplaces and festive decorations. The aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven is enough to fill a home with warmth and cheer.

This article presents a collection of gingerbread icing recipes, each offering a unique twist on this traditional glaze. Whether you prefer a simple and straightforward icing or one with a more complex flavor profile, you're sure to find a recipe that suits your taste. From classic white icing to colorful and flavored variations, these recipes provide endless possibilities for decorating your gingerbread creations.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ICING



Gingerbread House Icing image

Saved this recipe from a parent workshop with my oldest daughter. Very easy to whip up, and the kids LOVED to taste it along the way!! Used whatever leftover icing to "glue" gingerbread house ingredients with a clean popsticle stick to an empty 8oz. milk carton.

Provided by AngelaC

Categories     Dessert

Time 12m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 large egg whites
4 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

  • In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer at medium speed.
  • Add powdered sugar in small amounts, mixing well on high speed after each addition.
  • Beat on high speed 4-5 minutes or until mixture thickens.
  • Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
  • You may need to stir icing to soften before use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 568.2, Sodium 44.1, Carbohydrate 142.6, Sugar 139.6, Protein 2.7

GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES WITH ORANGE ICING



Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Icing image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 1h25m

Yield 12 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup dark rum or water
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup unsulfured molasses
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup minced dried crystallized ginger (not in syrup)
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 pound confectioners' sugar, sieved
6 pieces dried crystallized ginger (not in syrup), sliced in half

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.
  • Place the rum and raisins in a small pan, cover, and heat until the rum boils. Turn off the heat and set aside. Place the butter and molasses in another small pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the sour cream and orange zest.
  • Meanwhile, sift the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together into a small bowl. Mix with your hand until combined. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture and mix only until smooth. Drain the raisins and add them and the crystallized ginger to the mixture with a spatula.
  • Divide the batter among the muffin pan (1 rounded standard ice cream scoop per cup is the right amount). Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
  • For the frosting, mix the cream cheese, butter, orange zest and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until just combined. Add the sugar and mix until smooth.
  • When the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously and garnish with a slice of crystallized ginger.

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 TREES WITH LEMON ICING



Gingerbread Trees with Lemon Icing image

Drizzles of lemony icing and sprinklings of sanding sugar give these simple gingerbread triangles their Christmas tree appearance and holiday flair.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 60

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
Sanding or coarse sugar (optional)

Steps:

  • Make cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until creamy, 3 minutes. Add egg and beat to combine. Add molasses and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. With a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut dough into small 2-inch-wide triangles. Arrange triangles, 1 inch apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are firm and golden at edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.
  • Make icing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and confectioners' sugar and whisk until smooth. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 214 g, Fat 9 g, Protein 2 g

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DOUGH & ICING



Gingerbread House Dough & Icing image

Dough designed for gingerbread houses to with stand cracks and sagging but still delicious. Tips: * If your dough is too tough to roll-out, microwave for 10-15 seconds. * Use aluminum foil to roll-out, transfer and bake your pieces. Cut a piece of foil the same size as your baking sheet. Wipe your working surface with a damp sponge and lay the foil on top. This will prevent the foil from slipping. Sprinkle the foil with flour, roll-out your dough, cut your pieces, lift the entire piece of foil onto your baking sheet and bake. Use a fresh piece of foil for each roll-out. * A pizza cutter provides a quick, straight line for large pieces like walls and roofs. * Cut all windows and doors before baking. * Prevent a lopsided house by holding the sides in place until dry. * Pint-size zip-lock freezer bags make excellent frosting bags. Snip off the corner of the bag, fill with frosting, zip-lock closed and decorate. * Variety of candy used to decorate is more important than quantity. * Rice Krispie Treats, tinted green, make fun uniquely shaped bushes and trees.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 1 House

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ginger
2 teaspoons ginger
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chopped into cubes
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
5 1/2 cups plus flour
3 egg whites (or use alternative in instructions)
1 pinch cream of tartar
1 lb powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Bring sugar, molasses, ginger and cinnamon to a boil in a large saucepan. Add baking soda (it will boil up). Place chopped butter in the bottom of a large mixing bowl and pour the molasses mixture on top. Mix to combine and stir in beaten egg. Gradually add flour. Knead until thoroughly combined, adding additional flour to obtain a stiff dough as needed. Divide in two. Form into rectangle-shaped mounds and cover with plastic wrap and chill.
  • Roll dough into 1/4 inch thick rectangles according to the size you need for the templates. Cut out shapes and transfer to lined or prepared or non-stick baking sheets. Bake in a moderate oven 325°F for approximately 20 minutes or until the dough turns a uniform dark golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from sheet pan.
  • Royal Icing: Place all ingredients in clean mixing bowl. Using whisk attachment combine ingredients on low speed. Increase speed to high and whip until mixture is stiff, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from mixer. (Hand held mixer will take few minute longer).
  • Remove 3/4 of the mixture to another bowl and cover bowl with a damp towel until you are ready to use icing, or icing will dry and a crust will form. Replace mixer on machine, and on low speed, add additional powdered sugar for "cement" used to hold walls up.
  • Note: If worried about raw egg whites, use meringue powder available at decorating supply and specialty food stores. Replace each egg white with 1 tablespoon meringue powder and 2 tablespoons warm water. Proceed with recipe.
  • Icing tip: Caramelize about 1/2-1 cup of sugar use as "superglue" to construct the house. Dries fast and hard. Use the royal icing to cover up the seams and to stick on the candy.

GINGERBREAD ICING



Gingerbread Icing image

A nice ginger icing to help decorate cookies or even hold walls of gingerbread houses together. This icing dries hard and tastes good.

Provided by quacked

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings

Time 10m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 egg whites
5 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Beat egg whites in a bowl using an electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually mix confectioners' sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extract into egg whites until icing is thickened.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 71.7 calories, Carbohydrate 17.8 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.4 g, Sodium 6.5 mg, Sugar 17.1 g

SKILLET GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH EGGNOG ROYAL ICING



Skillet Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Royal Icing image

Provided by Claire Thomas : Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan
2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
1 large egg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, divided
1/2 large egg white
1 teaspoon dark rum
1 teaspoon bourbon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch cream of tartar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch round pan or skillet with butter and lightly coat with flour.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, crystallized ginger, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses and milk. Whisk in the egg and orange zest.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined and there are no more lumps. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the edges look dark and the middle feels firm to the touch. Set the pan on a rack to cool.
  • For the eggnog royal icing: Measure out half of the powdered sugar and place in the bowl of a stand mixer or mixing bowl, then add the egg white, rum, bourbon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, salt, cream of tartar and heavy cream. Mix at low speed with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, adding the remaining powdered sugar. Increase speed to medium and beat until thick and smooth. It should have the texture of a loose buttercream, thick and malleable.
  • Pour the icing over the warm cake and spread evenly with a small spatula. Slice and serve.

ROYAL ICING FOR GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Royal Icing for Gingerbread Cookies image

Use this royal icing to decorate our Molasses-Gingerbread and Honey-Gingerbread cookies.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 pound confectioners' sugar, plus more if needed
5 tablespoons meringue powder

Steps:

  • Beat sugar, meringue powder, and a scant 1/4 cup water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low speed until smooth, about 7 minutes. If icing is too thick, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time; if too thin, beat icing for 2 to 3 minutes more, or add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature overnight; stir before using.

KAHLUA GINGERBREAD PEOPLE WITH KAHLUA ICING



Kahlua Gingerbread People with Kahlua Icing image

I cut this out from my inlaw's newspaper. I found it to be a great dough to work with and it tastes great. Just remember the dough is easiest to handle if it is refridgerated overnight, so plan ahead.

Provided by Pamela

Categories     Dessert

Time 18m

Yield 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
3 tablespoons Kahlua
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 lb powdered sugar
1/4 cup Kahlua
3 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons corn syrup

Steps:

  • Cream shortening, butter, and sugar together.
  • Beat in egg until fluffy.
  • Stir in molasses and Kahlua.
  • Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and blend well.
  • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
  • Roll out to 3/8 inch, on a well floured surface, a portion at a time.
  • Keep remaining dough chilled.
  • Cut with cookie cutter and place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
  • Let stand for 1 minute to firm.
  • Decorate with Kahlua Icing.
  • For icing combine all ingredients and tint with food coloring if desired.
  • Pipe icing as desired.
  • to make icing spreadable add 1 or 2 tsp more Kahlua.

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 :

Tips:

  • Make sure your butter is at room temperature so that it creams together with the sugar easily.
  • If you don't have light corn syrup, you can use golden corn syrup instead.
  • If you want a thinner icing, add a little bit of milk or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
  • You can flavor the icing with different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or peppermint.
  • If you want to add color to the icing, use gel food coloring or powdered food coloring.
  • To make royal icing, simply add more powdered sugar to the basic icing recipe until it reaches a stiff consistency.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread icing is a delicious and versatile way to decorate your favorite gingerbread cookies, cakes, and other treats. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a beautiful and festive icing that will make your desserts look and taste amazing. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, give one of these gingerbread icing recipes a try!

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