DIY Gingerbread People Decorating

Featured in: Baking

This project features soft gingerbread cookies shaped like people, baked to perfection with warm spices such as ginger and cinnamon. The cookies are paired with homemade royal icing, tinted in festive colors, and an assortment of candies for decoration. After baking and cooling, these cookies come to life as guests can creatively decorate each one, making it a fun and interactive holiday activity. Baking and decorating times are manageable, perfect for easy, engaging holiday gatherings.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:47:00 GMT
DIY Gingerbread People Decorating Board: Adorable gingerbread cookies with colorful icing and candies, a fun holiday activity. Save to Pinterest
DIY Gingerbread People Decorating Board: Adorable gingerbread cookies with colorful icing and candies, a fun holiday activity. | buddybiteskitchen.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 made holiday baking with my family a joyful and creative tradition that everyone looked forward to each year

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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| buddybiteskitchen.com

Gathering around to decorate gingerbread people brings such warmth and laughter to our family holidays

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)

A close-up of a festive DIY Gingerbread People Decorating Board, filled with decorated cookies and sprinkles. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a festive DIY Gingerbread People Decorating Board, filled with decorated cookies and sprinkles. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy decorating these festive treats with friends and family to make holiday memories that last

Common Recipe Questions

What spices are used in the gingerbread dough?

The dough includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a warm and festive flavor profile.

How do you achieve the right consistency for royal icing?

Whisk powdered sugar with meringue powder, then gradually add water until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency suitable for decorating.

Can the cookies be stored after baking?

Undecorated cookies should be stored in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness before decorating.

What tools are recommended for decorating?

Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for the icing, along with spatulas and assorted candy decorations to customize each cookie.

How long should the cookies be baked for desired texture?

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes for softer centers and up to 12 minutes for crisper edges, depending on preference.

DIY Gingerbread People Decorating

Soft gingerbread people with colorful icing and candy decorations for holiday fun.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
42 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

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 dark brown sugar, packed
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 (mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, candy eyes, mini M&Ms, gumdrops, etc.)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a flattened disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.

Step 04

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 05

Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 06

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 07

Prepare Royal Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water until reaching a piping consistency. Divide the icing and tint with food coloring as desired.

Step 08

Set Up Decorating Station: Arrange the cooled cookies, bowls of colored royal icing, and assorted candies on a large serving board or platter.

Step 09

Decorate Cookies: Invite participants to decorate their gingerbread people cookies using the icing and candies creatively.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter).
  • Some candies may contain nuts or soy; verify labels accordingly.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 225
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams