Easy Gingerbread Houses Recipes

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Introduction

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing screams Christmas quite like a gingerbread house. These delicious, edible houses are a tradition for many families, but they can be daunting to make. Fear not, because we have some easy gingerbread house recipes that will make the process a breeze.

Ingredients

For the gingerbread dough, you will need:

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 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses

For the royal icing, you will need:

3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in egg and molasses until well combined. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms. 5. Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten into discs. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). 7. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out your desired shapes for the house. 8. Bake the gingerbread for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. 9. Let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling the house. To make the royal icing: 1. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar together until frothy. 2. Gradually add powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. 3. Transfer the icing to a piping bag and use to assemble the house.

Nutritional Information

This recipe makes about 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 193mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 42g
Protein: 3g

Cooking Time

Preparation time for the gingerbread dough is about 20 minutes, plus 2 hours for chilling. Baking time is 12-15 minutes per batch.

Equipment

You will need a large mixing bowl, a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, an electric mixer, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a piping bag.

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread houses are a fun and festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve alongside other holiday treats, like cookies, candy canes, and hot cocoa.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with the design of your gingerbread house. Use different shapes and colors of candy to create unique patterns and designs.

Substitutions

If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with equal parts honey or maple syrup.

Storage

Gingerbread houses can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Tips

Make sure to let the gingerbread cool completely before attempting to assemble the house. This will prevent the walls from collapsing.

Notes

For an extra special touch, dust the top of your gingerbread house with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the gingerbread dough in advance? A: Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Q: Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own royal icing? A: Yes, you can use store-bought icing, but it may not be as strong and sturdy for assembling the house.

Summary

Making a gingerbread house can be a fun and festive holiday activity, but it can also be a bit intimidating. With our easy gingerbread house recipes, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house with ease. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the design and decorations, and remember to have fun!