Gingerbread Cookies

1. Stage

Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Stage

Make the dough: In an stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and molasses. Gradually add the flour mixture; combine on low speed. (You may need to work it with your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour.)

3. Stage

Chill the dough: Divide dough into thirds; wrap each third in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Before rolling out, let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. If after refrigerating the dough feels too soft to roll out, work in a little more flour.

4. Stage

Preheat oven to 350°F.

5. Stage

Roll out the dough: Place a dough third on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the rolled out dough to the refrigerator again to chill for 5 to 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut out the cookies.

6. Stage

Cut out the cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, or place a stencil over the dough and use a knife to cut into desired shapes.

7. Stage

Transfer to the baking sheet: Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Press raisins, chocolate chips, or candy pieces in the center of each cookie if desired for "buttons."

8. Stage

Bake: Bake at 350°F until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.

9. Stage

Make the royal icing: Beat the egg whites and lemon juice together, adding the sifted powder sugar until the mixture holds stiff peaks. If using powdered egg whites: Combine 1 tablespoon egg white powder with 2 tablespoons water. Proceed as you would otherwise. If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency. Once you make the royal icing, use quickly before it hardens.

10. Stage

Decorate the cookies: Fill a piping bag with the icing to pipe out into different shapes on the cookies. (Or use a plastic sandwich bag, with the tip of one corner of the bag cut off.) Keep the icing covered while you work with it or it will dry out. Once the cookies are decorated, the surface of the royal icing will dry quickly, within 15 minutes. But the icing may still be soft inside. Let the decorated cookies sit at room temp for 12 hours for the icing to dry completely. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!