Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread cookies have been a cherished holiday tradition for as long as I remember. Traditionally, these spicy delights are shaped like “men,” but with a little creativity, you can flip them upside down to create whimsical reindeer!
If gingerbread isn’t your favorite, feel free to make a sugar cookie in the shape of a man and decorate it in the same way!
If you already have a go-to gingerbread recipe, feel free to skip ahead to the baking instructions!
If you don’t, here’s a great recipe to get you started.
(Makes about 18 cookies)
INGREDIENTS
Cookies:
2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Ginger
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/3 cup melted Shortening
1/3 cup Molasses
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
8 tsp Water
1 Egg
1/4 tsp Vanilla
18 Red M&Ms or Red Hot candies
Icing:
2 Egg Whites
3 cups Powdered Sugar
2 tsp Corn Syrup
Brown Food Coloring
Black Food Coloring
DIRECTIONS
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the shortening, molasses, water, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two halves.
- Flatten each half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Dust the work surface with flour.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out gingerbread men and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies appear dry.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
ICING:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the egg whites and corn syrup and whip on high speed until foamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to whip until the icing is shiny and soft peaks form.
- Add the brown food coloring and mix until the color is even.
- Transfer about two-thirds of the icing to a piping bag or zip-lock bag.
- Add the black food coloring to the remaining icing and mix until uniform in color.
- Transfer the black icing to another piping bag or zip-lock bag.
- Turn the gingerbread men upside down and use the brown icing to pipe on the face and ears as shown.
- Add a red M&M or Red Hot candy for the nose.
- Pipe on two black dots for the eyes.
- Use the black icing to add details inside the ears and pipe a mouth.
- Finally, pipe black icing to create antlers.
Enjoy your delightful gingerbread reindeer cookies!
Do you have any favorite holiday cookie recipes? Share them in the comments below!
About outoftownblogs
Make sure to check out all posts by outoftownblogs and subscribe via RSS or EMAIL to stay updated!
