DIY Gingerbread People Decorating

Featured in: Sweet Inspiration Bakes

This set features soft gingerbread figures paired with vibrant royal icing and assorted candies, creating a delightful hands-on decorating activity perfect for festive occasions. The gingerbread dough combines warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, baked to a soft finish, then chilled for decorating. The royal icing is easy to pipe and color, providing a smooth surface for creative designs. Arrange cookies, icing bowls, and candies on a board, inviting everyone to personalize their gingerbread people. Great for holiday celebrations and family fun, this decorating experience encourages creativity and festive cheer.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:33:00 GMT
DIY Gingerbread People decorating board, bursting with color, ready for festive cookie decorating fun. Save
DIY Gingerbread People decorating board, bursting with color, ready for festive cookie decorating fun. | suggestionsforever.com

A festive and interactive cookie kit featuring soft gingerbread cookies colorful icings and assorted candies perfect for holiday gatherings or creative baking fun

This kit brings my family together for quality holiday baking time we always enjoy decorating and sharing smiles

Ingredients

  • Gingerbread Cookies: 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour 1 tbsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened 2/3 cup (130 g) dark brown sugar packed 1 large egg 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsulfured molasses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted 2 tbsp meringue powder 3 4 tbsp water Food coloring gels (red green blue yellow as desired)
  • Decorations: Assorted candies (mini chocolate chips sprinkles candy eyes mini M&Ms gumdrops etc)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour ginger cinnamon cloves nutmeg baking soda and salt
Step 2:
In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy Add egg molasses and vanilla mix until combined
Step 3:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixing until a soft dough forms Divide in half flatten into disks wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour
Step 4:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 5:
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes place on prepared sheets
Step 6:
Bake 10 12 minutes or until edges are set Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to a rack to cool completely
Step 7:
For royal icing whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder Add water gradually to reach piping consistency Divide and tint with food coloring as desired
Step 8:
Arrange cookies bowls of icing and assorted candies on a large board or platter
Step 9:
Invite everyone to decorate their own gingerbread people with icing and candies
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| suggestionsforever.com

This activity creates joyful holiday memories enhancing connection and creativity in our family kitchen

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer Rolling pin Gingerbread people cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Cooling rack Icing piping bags or squeeze bottles Spatulas

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter) Some candies may contain nuts or soy always check ingredient labels

Nutritional Information

Calories 225 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 2 g per decorated cookie estimated

The DIY Gingerbread People kit showcases freshly baked gingerbread cookies alongside colorful icing and candy toppings. Save
The DIY Gingerbread People kit showcases freshly baked gingerbread cookies alongside colorful icing and candy toppings. | suggestionsforever.com

This gingerbread decorating board turns baking into a festive celebration that everyone can enjoy

Recipe Help & FAQs

How long should I chill the dough before baking?

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to help maintain the shape during baking and make rolling easier.

What makes royal icing ideal for decorating gingerbread?

Royal icing dries hard, allowing detailed piping and stacking without smudging or damage.

Can I adjust baking time for different cookie textures?

Yes, bake 10 minutes for softer cookies or up to 12 minutes for a crisper edge.

Are there alternatives to meringue powder in the icing?

You can substitute 1 egg white for meringue powder, but ensure safe handling and fresh eggs for food safety.

How should undecorated cookies be stored?

Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.

DIY Gingerbread People Decorating

Festive gingerbread figures with colorful icing and candies for interactive decorating fun.

Prep Time
30 mins
Time to Cook
12 mins
Overall Time
42 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Gingerbread Cookies

01 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 1 large egg
11 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
12 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Royal Icing

01 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
02 2 tablespoons meringue powder
03 3 to 4 tablespoons water
04 Food coloring gels (red, green, blue, yellow), as desired

Decorations

01 Assorted candies including mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, candy eyes, mini M&Ms, gumdrops

Directions

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix until incorporated.

Step 03

Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 04

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 05

Cut cookie shapes: Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes and place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 06

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are firm. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 07

Prepare royal icing: Whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder together. Add water gradually until desired piping consistency is reached. Divide and tint with food coloring as preferred.

Step 08

Set up decorating station: Arrange cooled cookies, bowls of colored icing, and assorted candies on a large board or platter.

Step 09

Decorate cookies: Invite participants to decorate gingerbread cookies using the royal icing and candies as desired.

Needed Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rolling pin
  • Gingerbread people cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Icing piping bags or squeeze bottles
  • Spatulas

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter).
  • Some candies may contain nuts or soy; verify labels.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 2 g