Gingerbread houses are a beloved holiday tradition for many families. But for those who rely on EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) to purchase their groceries, it can be a bit confusing whether or not they can use their benefits to buy a pre-made gingerbread house. The answer is no, unfortunately. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a delicious and easy recipe to make your own gingerbread house from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and well blended.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough is smooth and well mixed.
- Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take one half of the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Cut out the gingerbread house pieces with a cookie cutter or a template and a sharp knife.
- Place the gingerbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 342
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 38mg
Sodium: 183mg
Potassium: 531mg
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 293IU
Calcium: 194mg
Iron: 4mg
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes, plus chilling time
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house cookie cutter or template and a sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Pastry bag
- Tip #2
Serving Suggestions:
Decorate your gingerbread house with royal icing and your favorite candy and sprinkles. Serve as a fun and festive centerpiece for your holiday table!
Variations:
You can add a tablespoon of orange zest or a teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a twist on the classic gingerbread flavor. You can also use this recipe to make gingerbread cookies in any shape you like!
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. You can substitute the unsalted butter for vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage:
Your gingerbread house will keep for up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Chill the dough for at least two hours before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a pastry bag to pipe the royal icing onto the gingerbread house for a neat and professional look.
Notes:
This recipe will make enough dough for one gingerbread house plus a few extra cookies. You can freeze the leftover dough for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use this recipe to make a gluten-free gingerbread house?
- How far in advance can I make my gingerbread house?
- Can I use store-bought royal icing instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free gingerbread house.
You can make your gingerbread house up to two weeks in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes, you can use store-bought royal icing instead of making your own. Just make sure it’s the right consistency for piping.
Personal Thoughts:
Making a gingerbread house from scratch is a fun and festive activity that the whole family can enjoy. While it may take a little bit of time and effort, the end result is well worth it. Not only will you have a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table, but you’ll also have delicious gingerbread cookies to enjoy throughout the season. So why not give it a try and start a new holiday tradition?