Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar and applesauce until smooth.

Step 2

Add the egg and molasses, mix well.

Step 3

In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices.

Step 4

Add to sugar and molasses mixture, stirring well.

Step 5

Divide the dough into two flat balls; cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 7

Generously dust the surface of your working area with flour before rolling out the dough.

Step 8

Work with one ball of dough at a time, keep the other refrigerated while you do so.

Step 9

Roll the dough out to 1/4 or 1/8-inch thickness, sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough if it's a little sticky.

Step 10

Cut the gingerbread with a cookie cutter shape of your choice.

Step 11

Place cookies 1 or 2 inches apart on a silpat-lined baking sheet.

Step 12

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Step 13

Mix the egg whites with lemon juice.

Step 14

Combine with powdered sugar, mixing well. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, if it's too thick add a drop of lemon juice.

Step 15

Add to a piping bag to decorate cookies when cookies are cooled.