The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start decorating your home with festive ornaments. But why settle for store-bought ornaments when you can make your own? In this article, we’re going to show you how to make DIY gingerbread ornaments that will add a touch of warmth and charm to your home decor. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
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, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Punch a small hole in the top of each gingerbread shape using a straw or toothpick.
- Thread a ribbon or string through the hole and tie it in a knot to create a loop for hanging.
- Decorate the gingerbread ornaments with icing, sprinkles, or other edible decorations if desired.
- Hang the gingerbread ornaments on your Christmas tree or around your home for a festive touch!
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 gingerbread ornament) contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Straw or toothpick
- Ribbon or string
Serving Suggestions
These DIY gingerbread ornaments are not for eating, but they make great decorations for your Christmas tree or around your home. You can also give them as gifts to family and friends.
Variations
You can experiment with different gingerbread shapes and sizes to create a variety of ornaments. You can also add more spices or flavorings to the dough, such as cloves, allspice, or orange zest.
Substitutions
You can substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. You can also substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup.
Storage
Store the gingerbread ornaments in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the brown sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
- Use a straw or toothpick to punch a small hole in the gingerbread shapes before baking to make it easier to hang them later.
- Decorate the gingerbread ornaments with icing or other edible decorations after they have cooled completely.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 gingerbread ornaments, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat these gingerbread ornaments?
No, these gingerbread ornaments are not for eating. They are meant to be used as decorations only.
Yes, you can use this recipe to make gingerbread cookies. Just roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
These DIY gingerbread ornaments are a fun and festive way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and decorations. Whether you hang them on your Christmas tree or give them as gifts, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, why not give this recipe a try and see how creative you can get?