If you love baking as much as I do, then you’ve probably heard of Christine McConnell. She is a talented baker and artist who creates spooky and eerie desserts, and her gingerbread house is no exception. This recipe is perfect for the Halloween season, and it’s sure to impress all your guests.
In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of making Christine McConnell’s gingerbread house, step-by-step. From the ingredients you’ll need to the serving suggestions, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Assorted candy and decorations
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses, egg, and water, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one of the discs of dough onto a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out your desired shapes for the house.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool completely before assembling the house.
- Using royal icing as glue, assemble the gingerbread house. Decorate with assorted candy and decorations.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice of gingerbread house
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours (including refrigeration time)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house template
- Assorted candy and decorations
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread house makes a great centerpiece for any Halloween party. Serve it alongside other spooky treats like spider cupcakes or candy corn cookies.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can use different types of candy and decorations to decorate your gingerbread house. You can also add food coloring to the royal icing to make it different colors.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar instead.
- If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit the nutmeg.
Storage
You can store this gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Make sure to let the gingerbread pieces cool completely before assembling the house.
- Use royal icing as glue to assemble the house. It’s strong and will hold the pieces together.
- Be creative with your decorations! You can use candy corn, gummy worms, or any other spooky candy you like.
Notes
This gingerbread house recipe is adapted from Christine McConnell’s original recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the gingerbread pieces?
Yes, you can freeze the gingerbread pieces for up to 1 month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
Can I use store-bought royal icing?
Yes, you can use store-bought royal icing if you don’t want to make it from scratch. Just make sure it’s a thick consistency so it will hold the gingerbread pieces together.
This Christine McConnell gingerbread house is a fun and spooky treat that is perfect for the Halloween season. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is sure to impress all your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is worth trying out. So, put on some spooky music and get baking!