Get into the holiday spirit by creating your very own ginger bread house! Not only is it a fun activity, but it also makes for a great centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a delicious ginger bread house complete with a fun name to make it even more festive.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- Assorted candies for decoration
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses, and beat until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide dough into two equal parts and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes for house walls, roof, and chimney.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Repeat with remaining dough until all pieces are baked and cooled.
- Assemble house with icing and decorate with candies as desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Wire racks
- Icing bag or zip-top bag
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a centerpiece for holiday celebrations, or enjoy as a fun and festive dessert after a holiday meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Try adding different spices to the dough, such as cloves or nutmeg, for a unique flavor. You can also substitute honey for molasses if preferred.
Storage
Store ginger bread 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 prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin and surface.
- Use a serrated knife to trim edges of baked pieces for a neater appearance.
- Allow icing to dry completely before decorating with candies.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze the baked pieces?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pieces for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before assembling and decorating.
What kind of icing should I use?
You can use a traditional royal icing or a buttercream frosting for assembly and decoration.
Personal Thoughts
Creating a ginger bread house is a fun and festive activity for the holidays, and adding a fun name makes it even more special. This recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious and sturdy pieces for assembly. It’s a great way to get creative and let your imagination run wild with candy decorations. Give it a try and make your own ginger bread house this holiday season!