Christmas Gingerbread with Frosting

Christmas gingerbread with frosting is a festive and delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. This traditional recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with a beautifully crafted royal icing, making each piece a work of art. The process of creating this dessert is as rewarding as the end result, transforming simple ingredients into intricately decorated cookies. The warmth of ginger and cinnamon fills the kitchen as these sweet creations bake to perfection. The frosting not only enhances the flavor but also allows for creative expression with designs. The balance of sweet and spice in the gingerbread, complemented by the zesty lemon hint in the frosting, makes it a family favorite. This treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a personal project to hone your icing skills. Creating gingerbread with frosting is an opportunity to bring loved ones together, enjoy quality time, and share in the joys of the season. Dive into this delicious tradition, and let your creativity flow with each unique design.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

273 g sugar
157 g powdered sugar
87 g egg whites
124 g water

Additional Ingredients

10 drops of lemon juice

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preparing the Syrup: Place the 273 g of sugar and 124 g of water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent burning. Cook until it reaches the soft ball stage, which takes about 15 minutes. To test, drop a bit of syrup into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, the syrup is ready.
Beating Egg Whites: As the syrup nears completion, start beating the 87 g of egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Combining Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the syrup is ready, slowly pour it in a thin stream over the egg whites while continuing to beat them with the mixer. It's important not to stop the mixer at this stage.
Adding Powdered Sugar: Continue to beat for another 5 minutes. The syrup's temperature will sanitize the egg whites. Gradually add the 157 g of powdered sugar, sifting it into the mixture in small portions.
Incorporating Lemon Juice: Once the powdered sugar is fully mixed in, add the 10 drops of lemon juice. Beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth, then turn off the mixer.
Cooling the Frosting: If the frosting is still warm, allow it to cool before using.
Preparing for Decoration: Fill a pastry bag with a small nozzle (No. 0) with the frosting. It's helpful to sketch your design on paper before beginning.
Basic Design Tips: Before starting, use an awl to lightly scratch the main contours onto the gingerbread. This will guide your icing work.
Strategizing your Design: Plan your design sequence. Avoid layering new details over wet frosting to prevent smearing.
Determining Icing Consistency: Use two types of frosting: a runny one, like fresh cream, for filling large areas, and a thicker one for outlining and finer details.
Piping the Frosting: Experience will guide you in finding the right consistency based on your icing speed and pressure applied to the pastry bag.
Letting it Set: Allow each layer of frosting to dry before adding new elements to ensure clear, crisp designs.
Creativity with Colors: Feel free to add food coloring to your icing for vibrant designs but test consistency after each addition.
Displaying and Sharing: Once finished, let your gingerbread creations dry completely before displaying them or sharing with others.
Storage: Store the finished gingerbread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Experimenting with Design: Don't be afraid to experiment with various techniques, such as marbling or layering, for unique results.
Enjoying the Process: Remember, the joy is in the making, so take your time and enjoy each step.
Family Fun: Engage family members to share in the decorating, making it a fun group activity.
Preserving Tradition: With each batch, you're carrying on a cherished holiday tradition.
Sharing the Love: Share your gingerbread with friends and family, spreading the holiday cheer.

Tips

Syrup Testing: Always test syrup consistency in cold water to ensure precision.
Icing Consistency: Adjust icing texture with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
Creative Expression: Personalize your designs with patterns and colors that reflect your style.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

Calories: 150 per cookie
Protein: 1 g
Fats: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g

Variations

Spice Alterations: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for different spice profiles.
Dietary Options: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with: Serve with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Garnishing Options: Sprinkle with edible glitter for a festive touch.

Best Places for Gingerbread Around the World

The Gingerbread Factory - A quaint cafe offering a delightful array of gingerbread treats. Location: 828 Commercial St, Leavenworth, USA.
Cadierbaren - Famous for their gingerbread cookies served with tea. Location: Arsenalsgatan 6, Stockholm, Sweden.
Konditorei L. Heinemann - Known for artisanal gingerbread, blending tradition with creativity. Location: Am Hauptbahnhof 6B, Munich, Germany.
La Maison du Miel - Renowned for their honey-infused gingerbread offerings. Location: Rue de Castiglione, Paris, France.
Balthasar's Keuken - This charming spot is celebrated for its spiced gingerbread creations. Location: Westerstraat 210, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Konditorei Buchwald - A classic venue, cherished for its hand-decorated gingerbread. Location: Bartningallee 29, Berlin, Germany.
English Tea Room & Eatery - Offers gingerbread scones with afternoon tea. Location: 734 E 1st St, New York, USA.
Elisenlebkuchen Schmidt - Specializes in traditional German gingerbread. Location: Burgstr. 10, Nuremberg, Germany.
Austrian Cafe - Famous for gingerbread laced with Austrian spices. Location: 7th St NW, Washington D.C., USA.
Pasticceria Marchesi - A must-visit for gingerbread enthusiasts. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.

Enjoy creating and sharing your own Christmas gingerbread with frosting and savor the seasonal spirit it brings!