# 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 packed dark brown sugar
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 - Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - Beat unsalted butter and dark brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Incorporate egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until combined.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them onto prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
07 - Whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add water gradually to achieve piping consistency. Divide icing and tint with desired food coloring.
08 - Place cookies, bowls of tinted royal icing, and assorted candies on a large serving board or platter.
09 - Invite participants to decorate their own gingerbread people using the royal icing and assorted candies.
