For cookies:

• 6 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 4 tsp ground ginger
• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp finely ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp course salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsulfured mollasses
• sanding sugar for sprinkling
• snowflake cookie cutter

Royal Icing:

• 5 tbs meringue powder
• 4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 drops glycerin