Get ready for a fun and delicious holiday activity with family and friends! Building a gingerbread house is a classic tradition that never gets old. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this recipe will guide you through the process with ease. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread house templates to cut out the shapes for the walls, roof, and chimney.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the pieces cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Use royal icing to assemble the house and decorate as desired.
- Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 120mg | Total Carbohydrates: 42g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 22g | Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Chilling Time: 2 hours or overnight | Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread house templates
- Rolling pin
- Wire rack
- Piping bags or zip-top bags
- Decorating tips
Serving Suggestions:
After decorating your gingerbread house, display it on a cake stand or platter as a centerpiece for your holiday table. You can also wrap it in cellophane and give it as a gift!
Variations:
If you want to switch things up, you can add different spices like nutmeg or cloves to the dough for extra flavor. You can also use different types of candy or frosting for decorating.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or corn syrup instead. You can also use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Storage:
Your gingerbread house can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the baked pieces for up to a month.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking and breaking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut out the dough shapes.
- Don’t overbake the pieces or they will become too hard to assemble.
- Make extra royal icing in case you need to fix any mistakes or gaps in the house.
Notes:
You can find gingerbread house templates online or create your own by drawing them on cardboard.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Do I need to use piping bags and tips for decorating?
No, you can use zip-top bags with a corner snipped off or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of royal icing?
Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like, but royal icing dries harder and is better for holding the pieces together.
Final Thoughts:
Building a gingerbread house is not only a fun activity, but also a great way to create lasting memories with loved ones. This recipe is easy to follow and allows for creativity when decorating. So, gather your family and friends and let the holiday spirit shine through by building your own sweet holiday home!