Winter Break Camps Your Kids Will Love – Reserve Their Spot Today!
Book Now
The Real Food Academy Miami gingerbread cookies recipe.
See All Recipes

Gingerbread Cookies

By Chef Maria Cummins

Course
dessert
Cuisine
american
Servings
24 Small Cookies

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Stand-up mixer
  • Parchment or wax papper
  • Rolling pin
  • Metal spatula
  • Pipping or plastic sandwich bag

Ingredients

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 egg white, raw or pasteurized (or 1 tablespoon egg white powder)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.
  2. In a stand up mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and molasses. Gradually add the flour mixture; combine on low speed. (You may need to work it with your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour.)
  3. Divide dough into thirds; wrap each third in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Before rolling out, let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. If after refrigerating the dough feels too soft to roll out, work in a little more flour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Place a third of the dough at a time on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough out to 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the rolled out dough to the refrigerate again to chill for 5 to 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut the cookies out. Continue with the other 2 thirds of dough.
  6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes or place a stencil over the dough and use a knife to cut it into desired shapes.
  7. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Press raisins, chocolate chips, or candy pieces in the center of each cookie if desired for the "buttons."
  8. Bake at 350°F until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.
Icing
  1. Beat the egg whites and lemon juice together, adding the sifted powder sugar until the mixture holds stiff peaks.
  2. If using powdered egg whites: Combine 1 tablespoon egg white powder with 2 tablespoons water. Proceed as you would otherwise.
  3. If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency.
  4. Once you make the royal icing, use quickly before it hardens.
  5. To decorate, fill a piping bag with the icing to pipe out different shapes on the cookies. (Or use a plastic sandwich bag, with the tip of one corner of the bag cut off.) Keep the icing covered while you work with it or it will dry out.

Chef Maria Cummins

Born in Venezuela, Maria Cummins discovered her deep-rooted passion for food from an early age. Her culinary journey led her to Lima, Peru, where she immersed herself in the rich secrets of Peruvian gastronomy during part of her childhood. In her early twenties, she embarked on a new chapter by coming to the United States and delving into the Hospitality Industry in Boston, Massachusetts.

Maria's culinary adventure continued as she relocated to San Diego, California, where she made her mark by opening the renowned El Tucan Restaurant. Her extensive travels and diverse experiences greatly influenced her innovative culinary style, shaping the unique approach she is celebrated for today.

During her time in San Diego, Chef Maria not only honed her culinary skills but also gained a profound understanding of the importance of nutrition, particularly through the use of organic and unprocessed ingredients.

Today, Maria Cummins is the proud owner, founder, and head chef of the Real Food Academy, a culinary haven nestled in the vibrant city of Miami. Here, both kids and adults come together every week to share the joy of connecting through the power of Real Food and Real Fun!

More Recipes

See More From Our Catalog

The Real Food Academy Miami - Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Special Announcements

Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Give your kids a winter break they'll never forget with our fun and interactive cooking camp! At The Real Food Academy's Cooking With Kids Winter Camp, each child will create delicious meals using whole ingredients through hands-on cooking experiences. It's the perfect way to inspire a lifelong love for cooking and healthy eating!

The Real Food Academy Miami - The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

The Real Food Academy is now offering a fun & family-friendly franchise opportunity. We are expanding and inviting franchisees to join us on our culinary journey! Follow us on Instagram and Learn how you can #inspirelovethroughfood!

The Real Food Academy Miami - Gingerbread House Decorating Class

Special Announcements

Gingerbread House Decorating Class

Let your child’s creativity shine this holiday season with our festive Gingerbread House Decorating Class at The Real Food Academy! Kids of all ages will enjoy personalizing pre-built gingerbread houses with colorful candies, icing, and holiday decorations. And the best part? Parents can relax and leave the mess to us—no cleanup required at home!

The Real Food Academy Miami reviews plate icon.

Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 4.9 star rating & 700+ reviews

  • Yuliya Thorne

    My daughter absolutely loved the camp! Over the course of the few weeks she really stepped up her cooking game and now wants to cook most things at home. People working there are incredibly kind and attentive.
  • Marion Gallula

    My daughter just attended the Thanksgiving week camp and loved it so much, she can’t wait to go back for another camp. She is now cooking at home what she learned, I’m impressed.
  • Dani Scavazzini

    Amazing experience…so fun and delicious ❤️
  • KristianDavid Morales

    Chef Toni was absolutely amazing! First time here and it was exceptional!
  • Princess Dalger

    Beautiful place for a cooking party!!!!
  • Ruth Marcelo

    Very good
  • Sarah Dalger

    Amazing experience
  • claudette michel

    Kelly party was super fun . Our kids had an amazing time
  • Sara Juli

    Such a fun, informative ladies night! Highly recommend!
  • kaia zohlman

    Such a wonderful experience and so much fun! Would come back again! 10/10
  • Kiki De Jager

    My son loved the summer camp there, staffs are super nice and accommodating, highly recommend!
  • Sylvia PEREZ

    Highly recommend this venue and activity for any team building, or party. Chef Toni was so patient, fun and engaging. The place is lovely and staff is very friendly.
  • Janee' Newsome

    Food was amazing. The experience was wonderful. The Chef and staff were helpful.
  • Monica Anglade

    Chef Toni was awesome.
  • Sami Shaio

    So much fun we did a class with the kids everybody had a great time
  • Justin R. Dickason

    The most FANTASTIC experience ever!!!!
  • Eric Jackson

    Went as a work ev& had such a blast learning how to cook Peruvian dishes. Chef was amazing at explaining & helping along the way.
  • Logan Wallick

    Chef Toni was amazing!
  • Ozzie Oguz Uslu

    Had an amazing time at our company event, chef Tony and Ray were amazing hosts. Thank you
  • David Prefontaine

    Fun cooking session, friendly hosts, simple recipes and thoughtful advices on eating healthy! Was a great team building activity for our large group! Thanks!

Real Food Blog

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Miami

At The Real Food Academy in Miami, we know planning a birthday party can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to make it easy and fun. Read on to see a few of our favorite themes to choose from.

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know with The Real Food Academy in Miami

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know

One of the first skills novice chefs need to acquire is proficient knife handling. Learn more about these key knife skills for beginners, brought to you by The Real Food Academy in Miami!

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking

With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Miami, you'll be able to conquer your fear of the kitchen and enjoy delicious homemade meals in no time.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook with The Real Food Academy.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook

It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy in Miami, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and impressive dishes in no time.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class in Miami

At The Real Food Academy in Miami, we believe that cooking is about creating an experience. Read on for some tips about how to get the most out of a cooking class!

Kids at The Real Food Academy in Miami - learn everything you need to know about the benefits of our cooking classes!

Why Your Child Needs To Spend At Least One Week At The Real Food Academy Miami This Summer

Learn exactly why your child should spend at least one week at The Real Food Academy in Miami! Here's what you need to know!

Real Food FAQs

No. All Payments and Deposits are non-refundable: When a payment or deposit is made, that day and time is no longer available to other customers on our calendar. For that reason, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.

In the case of a cooking class, the ingredients are shopped for and prepped in advance. Staff is also scheduled according to the number of people on the roster.

See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house kids party options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.

Corkage Fees

  • $15 per 750 ml bottle of wine
  • $30 per 1.5 L bottle of wine

Bring outside beer: $40 for beer (any quantity)

We love it when our customers decorate our place. That said, you have no idea how difficult it is to clean these types of things up. As far as noisemakers go......you will be glad you left them at home as well. So please do not bring any of those things.

Newsletter Sign-up

Get Class & Menu Updates

From Beginner to Gourment

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits at The Real Food Academy

A table with ingredients and food at The Real Food Academy Miami.

Join an Upcoming Class

Adult cooking classes offered Every Thursday Night

Special Announcements

Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Give your kids a winter break they'll never forget with our fun and interactive cooking camp! At The Real Food Academy's Cooking With Kids Winter Camp, each child will create delicious meals using whole ingredients through hands-on cooking experiences. It's the perfect way to inspire a lifelong love for cooking and healthy eating!

Book Now

The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

The Real Food Academy is now offering a fun & family-friendly franchise opportunity. We are expanding and inviting franchisees to join us on our culinary journey! Follow us on Instagram and Learn how you can #inspirelovethroughfood!

Learn More

Gingerbread House Decorating Class

Let your child’s creativity shine this holiday season with our festive Gingerbread House Decorating Class at The Real Food Academy! Kids of all ages will enjoy personalizing pre-built gingerbread houses with colorful candies, icing, and holiday decorations. And the best part? Parents can relax and leave the mess to us—no cleanup required at home!

Book Now