Nells Tips and Trends

Gingerbread Cutouts: These have always been something that I have wanted to try but have shied away from because I thought they were too complicated for me. I see the people in the Hallmark movies making them and decorating them. While having these heart-to-heart conversations and bringing loved ones back together. It usually makes me cry. And I think why have I never done that. Well, Here is a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens that does not look all that complicated and I have included the recipes for Powdered Sugar Icing and Royal Icing too! (Talk about complicated. Before you try the Royal Icing make sure to watch a video on how to make Royal Icing.)

Ingredients

• ½ cup shortening
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing or Royal Icing (optional)
• Decorative candies (optional)

Make The Dough

In a large mixing bowl beat shortening and butter with a mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.

Add the next seven ingredients (through salt). Beat until combined, scraping bowl as needed.

Add in egg, molasses, and vinegar continuing to beat as you add ingredients.

Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.

Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.

Divide dough in half.

Cover and chill for about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.

Preheat The Oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as needed.

Place cutouts 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake The Cookies

Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

Decorate cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing or Royal Icing and candies.

Powdered Sugar Icing

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla

Food Coloring

Directions

In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make drizzling consistency.

Royal Icing

3 tablespoons meringue powder or powdered egg whites

4 cups (1-pound box) confectioners’ sugar,

6 tablespoons water

Food Coloring

Directions

Beat together meringue powder or powdered egg whites, confectioners’ sugar, and water in a bowl until peaks form, 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Making Royal Icing can be a challenge. I would suggest that you google it and watch a video before you attempt making it. However, I think that an attempt to make these Gingerbread Cutouts will be time well spent. You can then have a Hallmark moment with your Mom, sisters, Aunts, kids, best friends, etc. A moment to remember year after year.

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