Weigh out the ingredients
I
For the cookie dough, you'll need flour, baking soda, spices, salt, butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, milk, vanilla, and molasses.
Weigh out the ingredients
II
For the royal icing, you'll need powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
Combine dry ingredients
III
Cream the butter until smooth. Add the dark brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium-high speed until just combined. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, & milk. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix! Shape dough into a disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Chill for at least three hours or overnight.
Make the cookie dough
IV
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼" in thickness. Cut out the dough with well-floured cookie cutters, then freeze for at least 15 minutes.
Roll & Cut Out
V
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Bake!
VI
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for about 1-2 minute until thick.
Make the royal icing
VII
Transfer the icing to a small piping bag with a very small round piping tip. Decorate cookies as desired.
Decorate!
VIII
Enjoy these soft gingerbread cookies with a glass of milk!
Enjoy!
IX