How to Frost Gingerbread Men

Add your own unique touches when frosting gingerbread men.

Gingerbread men cookies are a classic holiday treat for children and adults alike. The sweet and spicy taste of these cookies makes them popular for other occasions throughout the year as well. A simple vanilla-flavored frosting complements the taste of the cookies. Decorate each cookie with unique features and characteristics. Use all white frosting to keep the decorations simple or add some color for more elaborate designs. Give each gingerbread man a unique face and little outfit. Create enticing cookies that look as good as they taste.

Things You'll Need

• Cooled gingerbread cookies
• Cutting board
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tbsp. half & half
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Food coloring
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowls or dishes
• Spatula or spoon
• Butter knife
• Pastry bag
• Small candies, sprinkles and colored sugars (optional)

Instructions

1. Sift powdered sugar into a small bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp. half & half. Beat with an electric mixer until the lumps disappear and the mixture is smooth. If the mixture is too runny, add more sugar and beat until well blended.

2. Add the remaining half & half, one tbsp. at a time until the frosting is smooth and the desired consistency. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. Divide the frosting into smaller batches by placing small amounts into small dishes to add food coloring.

3. Add a few drops of the desired color of food coloring to each small dish. Mix well with a spoon or spatula. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag one color at a time. Wash the bag between colors. If a pastry bag is not available, use a plastic bag and trim the corner to form a point.

4. Squeeze white frosting from the pastry bag directly onto the cookies. Spread it using a knife with a back-and-forth motion over the entire area. Smooth the frosting and use a toothpick to get rid of any tiny bubbles that may form, and fill in little holes. Set aside and dry for several hours or overnight.

5. Decorate the cookies using the pastry bag or plastic bag. Outline the cookies with frosting from the bag and let them sit for a few minutes. Pipe your designs. Use different points, curls, swirls and dots as desired. Use different colors for the face, hair and clothes if desired. Add small candies, sprinkles or colored sugar for an extra touch. Let dry overnight before packaging.

Tips & Warnings

• Add more half & half to the frosting if it is too dry. Add more powdered sugar if the mixture is too thin. Allow the frosted cookies to dry completely before decorating.

References

• All Recipes: Gingerbread Cookie Frosting
• Recipe Tips: How to Make Gingerbread