Gingerbread Star Cookies with Holly and Golden Bells

These stunning gingerbread star cookies bring classic holiday flavors and elegant decorations to your festive table. Perfect as a centerpiece or thoughtful gift, they combine the warm spices of gingerbread with artistic decorations featuring holly leaves and golden bells. Here’s how you can make these show-stopping treats at home.

What Are Gingerbread Star Cookies with Holly and Golden Bells?

These cookies are traditional gingerbread cookies shaped into stars and decorated with royal icing, edible golden bells, and holly leaf details. The recipe combines the spiced richness of gingerbread with artistic decorations that evoke the magic of the holiday season. The combination of edible glitter and luster dust ensures these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Presentation: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts.
• Customizable Decorations: Adapt the design to match your holiday theme or colors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the cookies and icing can be prepared in advance.
• Rich, Classic Flavors: Features the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 6 tablespoons water)
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Gel food coloring (white, green, and red)

For Decoration:

• Edible golden bells or gold luster dust
• Red edible pearls or candies
• Green fondant or royal icing for holly leaves
• Edible glitter for a festive touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Cut out star shapes using cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Royal Icing

In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder and water), and cream of tartar until smooth and glossy. Divide the icing into portions and tint with gel food coloring as needed. Keep the bowls covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.

Decorating the Cookies

Pipe white royal icing onto each cookie and flood the center. Let it set completely. Use green icing with a leaf piping tip to create holly leaves. Add red edible pearls or candies as berries. Attach edible bells or fondant-molded bells dusted with gold luster dust. Use a fine piping tip and white icing to add intricate designs like snowflakes or lace patterns around the edges.

Adding Final Touches

Dust cookies lightly with edible glitter for a frosty look. Allow all decorations to dry completely before stacking or packaging.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat. Arrange them on a festive platter as a stunning table centerpiece. Wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful edible gifts.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent decorations from smudging.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before decorating. Royal icing decorations are best added fresh for optimal presentation.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter, egg with flaxseed meal, and royal icing with an aquafaba-based recipe.
• Custom Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create festive shapes like snowflakes or trees.
• Flavored Icing: Add vanilla or almond extract to the royal icing for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought royal icing? Yes, store-bought royal icing works well and saves time if you’re in a hurry.
What’s the best way to pipe intricate designs? Practice on parchment paper first, and use a fine-tipped piping nozzle for precise detailing.
Can I substitute honey for molasses? Honey can be used, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

These Gingerbread Star Cookies with Holly and Golden Bells combine timeless holiday flavors with a modern decorative twist. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a heartfelt gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them out and let the festive spirit shine through your baking!

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