Introduction
The holiday season is always magical, and one of the highlights is building gingerbread houses. But why stop at a house when you can create a whole gingerbread castle? With our gingerbread castle templates, you can make a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table that will delight kids and adults alike. So, put on your apron, grab your rolling pin, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the gingerbread dough: – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon baking soda – 1 teaspoon ground ginger – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup molasses – 1 large egg For the royal icing: – 2 cups powdered sugar – 2 tablespoons meringue powder – 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. 2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg and beat until well combined. 3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into three equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 5. Roll out one dough portion on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out your castle pieces using the templates provided. 6. Transfer the cut-out pieces to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. 7. Repeat with the remaining dough portions until all the pieces are baked and cooled. 8. To make the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a medium bowl until smooth. 9. Assemble the castle using the royal icing as glue, decorating with additional icing, candy, and other decorations as desired.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes a large gingerbread castle, so the nutritional information will vary depending on the size of your servings.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Chilling time: 1 hour Baking time: 10-12 minutes per batch Total time: 3 hours
Equipment
– Mixing bowls – Electric mixer – Rolling pin – Gingerbread castle templates – Parchment paper – Baking sheet – Whisk – Decorating bags and tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gingerbread castle as a centerpiece on your holiday table. It also makes a great gift for friends and family.
Variations and Substitutions
– Use different cookie cutter shapes to create a unique castle design. – Add food coloring to the royal icing to create different colors for decorating. – Use honey instead of molasses for a milder flavor.
Storage
Store your gingerbread castle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
– Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle. – Use a ruler or other straight edge to help cut out precise castle pieces. – Let the royal icing dry completely before adding additional decorations.
Notes
– This recipe makes a large gingerbread castle. You can adjust the size of the templates to make a smaller castle if desired. – It’s helpful to have an extra pair of hands when assembling the castle pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the gingerbread castle?
Yes, you can freeze the gingerbread castle for up to 1 month. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
How do I store leftover royal icing?
Store leftover royal icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Personal Thoughts
Creating a gingerbread castle is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a fun and creative way to spend time with loved ones and make lasting memories. And with our gingerbread castle templates, it’s easier than ever to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. So, gather your family and friends, put on some holiday music, and let the magic begin! In conclusion, our gingerbread castle templates recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves to bake and create magical holiday memories. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips, you’ll have a beautiful gingerbread castle in no time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!