Introduction
Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? One of the best ways to do so is by making cute gingerbread houses! Not only are they fun to make, but they also make great decorations and treats for family and friends. In this recipe, we will show you step-by-step how to make adorable gingerbread houses that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each portion of dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out your house pieces using a gingerbread house template or cookie cutters.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Allow the pieces to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the houses.
- Decorate the houses with icing, candy, and any other fun decorations you like.
- Let the icing dry completely before displaying or serving your cute gingerbread houses.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house template or cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Icing bag or ziplock bag (for decorating)
Serving Suggestions
These cute gingerbread houses make great decorations and treats for the holiday season. Serve them as a centerpiece at your holiday dinner or give them as gifts to friends and family.
Variations
You can customize your gingerbread houses with any decorations you like. Try using different types of candy, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make your houses sparkle.
Substitutions
- You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- If you’re allergic to butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil instead.
Storage
Store your cute gingerbread houses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Make sure to chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
- If your dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- If your icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
Be sure to use a sturdy icing to hold your gingerbread houses together. Royal icing is a great option because it dries hard and can hold up to the weight of the candy decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze my gingerbread dough?
Yes, you can freeze your gingerbread dough for up to one month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer.
Can I make my gingerbread houses ahead of time?
Yes, you can make your gingerbread houses up to one week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to decorate them.
Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought icing to decorate your gingerbread houses if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a sturdy icing that will hold up to the weight of the candy decorations.
Personal Thoughts
Making cute gingerbread houses is such a fun and festive activity during the holiday season. Not only do they look adorable, but they also taste delicious. I love how customizable they are, and how you can use any decorations you like to make them your own. Whether you’re making them as gifts or just for fun, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Happy holidays!