UGLY SWEATER COOKIES

Ugly Sweater Cookies image

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Ugly Sweater Cookies is how cute they are. Try these classic gingerbreads on for size. -Christy Thelen, Kellogg, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup molasses
4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
ROYAL ICING:
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup water
4 teaspoons meringue powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Optional: Food coloring and assorted sprinkles

Steps:

Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and molasses. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half; shape each into a disk. Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, 4 hours or overnight., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 3-1/2-in. sweater-shaped cookie cutters. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. , Bake cookies until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely., Place first 5 icing ingredients in a small bowl; beat on low speed just until blended. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, 4-5 minutes. Thin with cream to desired consistency. If desired, tint with food coloring., Pipe icing onto cookies and decorate as desired. (Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture.) Let cookies stand at room temperature several hours or until frosting is dry and firm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 2g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 70mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.