Wall of cookies

At my house we have a tradition of decorating the tree with edibles

Now these are some of the most wonderful gingerbread cookies I have seen in a long time. 

Instructions found here 

Also would make part of a great cookie wall Christmas tree

You frame strings and ribbons along a wall in shape of a Christmas Tree .

Then tie cris cross strings and ribbons back and forth through frame.

Then hang your cookies and watch the fun.

Grandmama used to wrap each cookie in a colored cellophane  bag.

Merry Christmas

More cookies

Gingerbread Recipe:

1 1/2 Cup Shortening

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

1 1/2 Cup Dark Molasses

(cream together)

12 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour

4 Teaspoons Ground Ginger

4 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

(sift and combine)

Chill dough one hour.

Prepare Royal  Icing Recipe (below)

Royal Icing Recipe:

6 Egg Whites - Room Temperature

1 1/2 Cream of Tartar

2 Lb Confectioners Sugar, Sifted

(combine in mixing bowl and mix on high 7-10min)

Store icing at room temperature in covered container.

As you pipe your lines, sprinkle sanding sugar over the wet icing.  I use a different paper plate under the cookie for each sprinkle color so I can funnel the excess sugar back into the container.

Have fun with the designs and try something new with each cookie.  Most of the cookies shown are outlined, but try filling in an entire cookie.  It will absolutely sparkle!  Store icing at room temperature in covered container.   

Let the cookies set overnight.  While still fragile, the icing will be hard and the sugar and candy pearls will be firmly set to the cookie.

If you are unsure about piping Royal Icing, these cookies are a great starting point.  The sanding sugar is very forgiving over unsteady lines.