Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, cubed1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup molasses2 teaspoons white vinegar1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten3 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon saltROYAL ICING:1-3/4 to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar2 to 3 tablespoons warm water4-1/2 teaspoons meringue powderBlue and violet paste food coloring FONDANT:2 teaspoons water3-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows2 tablespoons shortening2 cups confectioners’ sugar, siftedAdditional confectioners’ sugar for dustingOptional: Coarse sugar and luster dust
Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, molasses and vinegar; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; cool to lukewarm. Stir in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; stir into molasses mixture to form a soft dough.
Divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a disk. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 5-in. snowflake cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 7-9 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
For icing, in a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, water and meringue powder; beat on low speed just until blended. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, 4-5 minutes. Divide into thirds; tint 1 portion light blue, second portion light purple, and leave the third portion white. Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture.
Using pastry bags and small round tips, ice cookies. Let stand at room temperature until icing is dry and firm, several hours. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar while icing is still wet. Store in an airtight container. Save remaining icing in an airtight container.
For fondant, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine water and marshmallows. Microwave on high for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave until completely melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds, about 30 seconds longer. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add shortening, beat until melted. Add confectioners’ sugar, beat until combined.
Generously dust counter and hands with additional confectioners’ sugar. Turn marshmallow mixture onto counter. Knead until fondant is smooth and pliable, but not sticky, dusting hands and counter again as needed, about 6 minutes.
Roll fondant to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with assorted snowflake-shaped cookie cutters. Adhere snowflakes to cookies with remaining icing. Let stand until set. If desired, brush with luster dust. Store in an airtight container.
