Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes Nutcracker Cookies Be the first to rate & review! By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 19, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Yield: 18 The Nutcracker is a gingerbread cookie handsomely clad in royal icing. Ingredients 6 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar 4 teaspoons ground ginger 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves 1 ½ teaspoons table salt 1 teaspoon finely ground pepper 2 large eggs 1 cup unsulfured molasses Gel-paste food coloring 2 recipes Royal Icing for Nutcracker Cookies Sanding sugar Dragees Directions In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper; beat to combine. Add eggs and molasses; beat to combine. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture; beat until incorporated. Divide dough into thirds; shape into flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll out dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using nutcracker cutter; transfer to baking sheets lined with Silpat baking mats. Refrigerate until firm, at least 15 minutes. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on racks. Tint each batch of icing as described in royal icing recipe. Decorate cookies with icing, sanding sugar, and dragees. Rate it Print