Soft, spiced gingerbread cookies decorated with sweet royal icing “bandages” and candy eyes to look like adorable Halloween mummies.

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed (100g)

1/2 cup molasses (118ml)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing “Bandages”:

2 cups powdered sugar (240g)

3 tablespoons meringue powder

5-6 tablespoons warm water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating:

Candy eyes (or mini chocolate chips)

Small round candies for noses (optional)

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1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

2. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

6. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with gingerbread man cutter and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies 8–10 minutes, until edges are just set. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. In a clean bowl, whisk powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water gradually until icing is smooth but pipeable. Stir in vanilla.

9. Transfer icing to piping bag with small round tip. Pipe horizontal lines across cookies for mummy bandages, leaving space for eyes.

10. Press candy eyes into icing while still wet. Add small candies for noses if desired.

Ingredient Note: Dark brown sugar gives richer molasses flavor and a softer cookie texture.

Ingredient Note: Meringue powder helps the royal icing set properly, creating crisp “bandage” lines that won’t run.