Gingerbread Snowflakes

By Dani Potts | December 10, 2024

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS

  • ⅔ cup molasses
  • ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon ground ginger
  • ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter cut into tablespoon pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  •  3 ¾ – 4 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Decorating Icing:

  • 1 1 lb box confectioners sugar
  • 4 teaspoons powdered egg white(such as Just Whites)
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food Coloring (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Make Dough: In a large saucepan, bring molasses, brown sugar, and spices to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda (it will foam). Add butter, 3 pieces at a time, stirring until fully melted after each addition. Stir in egg, then mix in 3/4 cup flour and salt until combined.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead, adding the remaining 1/4 cup flour as needed, until soft and easy to handle (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Divide dough in half, wrap one half in plastic, and keep it at room temperature.
  4. Roll & Cut: Roll out the other half to a 14-inch round, 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface..Cut with cookie cutters and place on buttered or parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.
  5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
  6. Make Icing: In a large bowl, beat all icing ingredients (except food coloring) on medium speed for 1 minute. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form (3 minutes with a stand mixer or 4-5 minutes with a handheld mixer). Add food coloring if using.
  7. Decorate: Use a pastry bag to pipe icing onto cookies or thin icing with 1 tsp water and spread on cookies.

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and yes — delicious treats! It’s perfectly okay to indulge in your seasonal favorites. In fact, allowing yourself to enjoy holiday goodies mindfully can promote a healthier relationship with food. Instead of focusing on restriction, try savoring each bite, noticing the flavors, textures, and joy it brings. This approach helps you feel satisfied with less and prevents the “all-or-nothing” mindset. Remember, a balanced holiday includes both nourishment and enjoyment — one cookie won’t derail your well-being, but stress about it might. So, embrace the season with intention, presence, and a little sweetness!