Cheerful Caroler Cookies

Here’s a festive recipe for Cheerful Caroler Cookies, perfect for celebrating the holiday season! These cookies are soft, spiced with warm flavors, and decorated to look like a group of joyful carolers.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses (for that classic gingerbread flavor)

For the Royal Icing (Caroler Decorations):

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg white (or 1 tbsp meringue powder)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Food coloring (red, green, yellow, etc., for clothing and faces)
• Black edible marker (optional, for faces and details)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Colored sugar or sprinkles
• Small candy decorations for hats, scarves, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves).
• In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

3. Shape the Cookies:

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then slightly flatten them with your hands or the bottom of a glass.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Royal Icing:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder), and lemon juice. Beat until stiff peaks form and the icing is thick but spreadable.
• Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring for the caroler’s clothing and faces. Keep some icing white for the “snow” and hair.

6. Decorate the Carolers:

• Once the cookies are completely cooled, use the royal icing to pipe “caroler” figures on the cookies. You can pipe little hats, scarves, coats, and faces, creating tiny carolers on each cookie.
• Use the black edible marker to add facial features, such as eyes, noses, and mouths. You can also use colored sprinkles or candies to decorate the carolers further (hats, scarves, etc.).

7. Let the Icing Set:

• Allow the decorated cookies to sit for at least 30 minutes so the royal icing can harden.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the icing is set, your Cheerful Caroler Cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them at your holiday gathering or gift them to spread some festive cheer.

These cookies are fun, delicious, and perfect for holiday baking. They’ll surely bring smiles to anyone who sees these jolly little carolers!