Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Frosting

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Frosting.

1. Step 1

   In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of white sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Step 2

   Add 1 cup of molasses and 1 egg to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.

3. Step 3

   In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. In another small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

4. Step 4

   Pour the buttermilk mixture into the molasses-egg mixture, followed by the vinegar mixture, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

5. Step 5

   Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough forms a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until chilled.

6. Step 6

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Step 7

   On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.

8. Step 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 8 to 10 minutes more.

9. Step 9

   While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing 3 cups of powdered sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and 1/3 cup of orange juice in a bowl. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it reaches a consistency similar to fondant or modeling dough, adding more powdered sugar if necessary. Frost the cooled cookies.