Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

By: Melissa Baker

Gingerbread Cookies:

Recipe courtesy of www.FoodNetwork.com

1 package sugar cookie mix

1 egg

1/2 cup  all-purpose flour

1/4 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup dark molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Royal Icing:

2 large egg whites or 5 tablespoons meringue powder

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 1teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Food coloring if desired

Directions for cookies:

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, blend all ingredients together and chill for up to 1 hour. Roll dough out on floured board about 1/8-inch thick. Cut desired shapes with cookie cutters and place onto sheet pan. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.

Directions for Icing:

With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice or extract until frothy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined, smooth and shiny. Turn to high and beat for approximately 5 minutes until stiff and glossy. Add food coloring, if desired and transfer to a pastry bag to pipe onto cookies.