Gingerbread Rudolph Cookies Recipe

Recipe for Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies

Gingerbread cookies have been a cherished treat during the holiday season for many years. Traditionally formed as “men,” they can be cleverly reimagined as reindeer by simply flipping them over!

If gingerbread isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with a sugar cookie shaped like a man and decorate it similarly!

If you already have a gingerbread recipe you adore, great! You can skip ahead to the directions post-baking.

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe, here’s one that consistently yields excellent results.

(Makes approximately 18 cookies)
INGREDIENTS
For the Cookies:
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup melted shortening
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup brown sugar
8 teaspoons water
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 red M&M’s or Red Hot candies

For the Icing:
2 egg whites
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons corn syrup
Brown food coloring
Black food coloring

Instructions

• In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.
• In a separate bowl, combine the shortening, molasses, water, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla, blending well.
• Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully mixed.
• Split the dough into two portions.
• Shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for several hours.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

  

• Dust your working surface with flour.
• Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
• Cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the surfaces appear dry.
• Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.

Icing Instructions:

• Mix the egg whites with the corn syrup, whisking on high speed until foamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until the mixture is shiny and soft peaks form.
• Incorporate brown food coloring and continue mixing until evenly colored.
• Transfer 2/3 of the icing into a piping bag or a zip-top bag.
• Add black food coloring to the remaining icing and mix until uniform in color.
• Put this mixture into another piping bag or a zip-top bag.

• Flip the baked gingerbread men upside down and use the brown icing to pipe on the face and ears as demonstrated.
• Add a red M&M or Red Hot candy to serve as the nose.
• Use black icing to create two dots for the eyes.
• Pipe black icing to detail the insides of the ears and mouth.
• Create antlers with the black icing as well.

Enjoy your delicious creations!

Do you have any favorite holiday cookie recipes? Share them with us in the comments below!