The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating a fancy gingerbread house! Not only is it a fun activity for the whole family, but it also doubles as a delicious treat. With our easy-to-follow templates, you can create a stunning gingerbread house that will make your holiday season even more memorable.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and water, and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- Use our fancy gingerbread house templates to cut out the pieces of your gingerbread house. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and any additional templates you want to use.
- Once all the pieces are cooled, assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing or melted chocolate.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: Approximately 2 hours (including dough chilling time)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mixer (handheld or stand)
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Icing bag or plastic bag for piping (optional)
Serving Suggestions
A fancy gingerbread house is not only a festive decoration, but also a delicious treat to share with friends and family. Serve it as a centerpiece during your holiday gatherings, or give it as a gift to your loved ones.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different shapes and designs for your gingerbread house. You can also add decorations such as candy canes, gumdrops, or sprinkles. If you prefer a less spicy gingerbread, reduce the amount of ground ginger or omit it altogether.
Storage
Store your gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to a month.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
- If the dough becomes too soft while you are working with it, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- Use a ruler to make sure the walls and roof pieces are the same size and shape.
- Be patient when assembling the gingerbread house. It may take a few tries to get everything to fit together perfectly.
- If you are using royal icing to assemble the gingerbread house, make sure to let it dry completely before adding any decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Can I freeze the gingerbread house pieces?
Yes, you can freeze the baked gingerbread house pieces for up to a month. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Can I use different types of candy to decorate my gingerbread house?
Absolutely! Get creative and use any type of candy that you like.
A fancy gingerbread house is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. With our easy-to-follow templates and simple recipe, you can create a stunning gingerbread house that will impress your friends and family. Whether you choose to keep it as a decoration or enjoy it as a treat, this gingerbread house is sure to bring joy to your holiday season.