11+ Gingerbread Cookie Icing Recipes

Who can resist the charm of gingerbread cookies adorned in beautiful, sweet icing? Each recipe promises a unique flavor journey, perfect for adding a special touch to your holiday treats.

Classic Royal Icing

Easy Royal Icing Recipe

Easy Royal Icing Recipe from Fresh April Flours

Rating: 4.9 (127 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Royal Icing Recipe

Royal Icing Recipe from Preppy Kitchen

Rating: 5 (940 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

My Favorite Royal Icing

My Favorite Royal Icing from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.6 (147 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

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This Classic Royal Icing is the quintessential choice for gingerbread cookies. Made with simple ingredients like powdered sugar, meringue powder, and a hint of vanilla, it creates a smooth, glossy finish that dries hard, making it perfect for intricate designs.

What makes this recipe so special is its ability to hold shape, allowing you to create delicate patterns and designs that stay crisp once dried. It’s also flavor-neutral, complementing the spicy sweetness of gingerbread perfectly without overpowering it.

Whether you’re making snowflakes, stars, or little gingerbread people, Classic Royal Icing provides a canvas for your creativity. Its versatility makes it a favorite among bakers who enjoy decorating cookies with precision and flair.

Creamy Buttercream Icing

Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing

Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6 (23 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting Recipe from This Silly Girl's Kitchen

Rating: 4.9 (257 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Easy, Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Easy, Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting from The Flavor Bender

Rating: 5 (44 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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If you prefer a rich and creamy topping, then Creamy Buttercream Icing is your go-to. This icing is a blend of butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, creating a luscious, spreadable frosting that’s perfect for those who love a bit of indulgence.

Unlike traditional royal icing, buttercream doesn’t harden completely, offering a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a creamy contrast to the crisp snap of a gingerbread cookie.

Buttercream Icing is particularly popular for its delightful flavor and ease of use. You can even add a splash of color to suit your holiday theme or mix in some spices for an extra kick. This icing is perfect for casual decorating and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Lemon Zest Glaze

Simple Lemon Glaze Recipe

Simple Lemon Glaze Recipe from Tutti Dolci

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 2 min.

Lemon Glaze

Lemon Glaze from Love and Lemons

Rating: 4.9 (84 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Lemon Glaze

Lemon Glaze from Martha Stewart

Rating: 3.7 (217 reviews).

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Add a zesty twist to your gingerbread cookies with this Lemon Zest Glaze. Combining powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of lemon zest, this icing offers a refreshing tang that balances the warmth of gingerbread spices.

This glaze is not only simple to make but also adds a beautiful sheen to your cookies. The citrusy aroma and taste elevate the traditional gingerbread flavor, giving your cookies a gourmet touch. It’s a wonderful choice for those who appreciate a blend of sweet and tart.

Maple Cinnamon Icing

Maple Cinnamon Glaze for Cakes Etc.

Maple Cinnamon Glaze for Cakes Etc. from Food.com

Rating: 5 (17 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Cinnamon Maple Buttercream Frosting

Cinnamon Maple Buttercream Frosting from Golden Grace Kitchen

Rating: 5 (18 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting from Savor the Best

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

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For a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor, try Maple Cinnamon Icing. Made with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, this icing brings a warm, comforting sweetness to your gingerbread cookies.

What makes this recipe stand out is the deep, rich flavor of maple syrup, which pairs beautifully with the spicy notes of gingerbread. The addition of cinnamon adds a subtle spice that enhances the overall taste experience.

Maple Cinnamon Icing is perfect for those who love a touch of sophistication in their holiday baking. The natural sweetness of maple syrup not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely, glossy finish to your cookies.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Gingerbread Cookie Icings

Gingerbread Cookie Icing

Gingerbread Cookie Icing from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread Men from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 5 (217 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 30 min.

Frosted Gingerbread Cookies

Frosted Gingerbread Cookies from Chelsweets

Rating: 5 (38 reviews). Total Time: 56 min.

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Consistency is Key

When making icing, achieving the right consistency is crucial. For detailed designs, aim for a thicker consistency that holds its shape, while a thinner glaze is perfect for a smooth, shiny finish.

Color Creatively

Experiment with natural food colorings to add vibrancy to your icing. A few drops can transform your cookies into a colorful masterpiece, without altering the flavor.

Practice Patience

Allow your decorated cookies ample time to dry completely. This ensures that your beautiful designs remain intact, especially if you plan on gifting or stacking them.