# Components:
→ Gingerbread Cookies
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
13 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
15 - 3 to 4 tablespoons water
16 - Food coloring gels (red, green, blue, yellow) as desired
→ Decorations
17 - Assorted candies including mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, candy eyes, mini M&Ms, gumdrops
# Method:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes and arrange them on prepared baking sheets.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder together. Gradually add water until reaching a pipeable consistency. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired food coloring gels.
09 - Arrange cooled cookies, bowls of tinted icing, and assorted candies on a large platter or board for decorating.
10 - Encourage participants to decorate gingerbread people using royal icing and candies as desired.
