As the holiday season approaches, the smell of gingerbread fills the air. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making a gingerbread house is a fun and festive activity that the whole family can enjoy. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a cool gingerbread house that will be the centerpiece of your holiday decor.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- Assorted candy and decorations for house
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out the pieces for the house (walls, roof, etc.) using a template or cookie cutters.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Assemble the house using royal icing as glue. Decorate with candy and other decorations as desired.
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total carbohydrates: 51g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 29g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
1 hour (plus additional time for chilling and decorating)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters or template for house pieces
- Baking sheets
- Candy and decorations for house
Serving Suggestions:
This gingerbread house makes a great centerpiece for your holiday table. Serve it as a dessert or a fun treat for your guests to enjoy.
Variations:
Try adding different spices to the gingerbread dough for a unique flavor. You can also experiment with different types of candy and decorations for the house.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute honey or maple syrup. You can also use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Storage:
Store the gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use royal icing as glue to hold the gingerbread pieces together.
- Get creative with your decorations!
Notes:
This recipe makes a medium-sized gingerbread house. If you want to make a larger or smaller house, adjust the amount of dough accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the gingerbread dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the gingerbread pieces?
Yes! You can freeze the baked gingerbread pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Can I use store-bought icing instead of royal icing?
Yes, but keep in mind that store-bought icing may not be as strong as royal icing and may not hold the gingerbread pieces together as well.
Final Thoughts:
Making a gingerbread house is a holiday tradition that never gets old. This recipe for a cool gingerbread house is easy to follow and produces a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table. Get creative with your decorations and have fun with it! We hope you enjoy making this gingerbread house as much as we do.