[2] Fresh ginger root is dried, then ground (photo © Silk Road Spice Merchant—which sells beautiful spices).

We don’t have the skill that of the professional who created these nifty skeleton designs, but we used the opportunity to practice, practice, practice (and although we still need a lot of practice, the cookies taste great). You can also try a paint brush instead of piping.
 
 
RECIPE: HALLOWEEN SKELETON GINGERBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients

For The Gingerbread

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups unbleached flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

 
For The Royal Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 large egg whites, beaten

1. CREAM the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and beat well. Add the egg and vanilla and beat again to thoroughly combine.

2. SIFT the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

3. DIVIDE the dough into three balls and flatten slightly. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and chill thoroughly: at least an hour (or you can do this part a day in advance).

4. ROLL out the dough and use your cookie cutter to create the forms. Bake at 350°F for 9 minutes. Cool and ice.

5. MAKE the icing: Sift the powdered sugar and cream of tartar in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat in the beaten egg whites, for about 5 minutes or until the icing is thick enough to hold its shape. Use immediately.
 
 
> GINGERBREAD HISTORY

> THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOKIES

> THE HISTORY OF COOKIES