Do you want to build a gingerbread house that won’t crumble at the slightest touch? Look no further than this delicious and durable gingerbread dough recipe! Whether you’re a seasoned gingerbread house builder or a beginner, this recipe is sure to make your creations stand out.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut out the shapes needed for your gingerbread house. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough until all shapes are baked.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 piece of gingerbread dough
Calories: 140
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread dough shapes can be used to build a gingerbread house or simply enjoyed on their own. They also make great decorations for a holiday table or tree.
Variations
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your gingerbread dough, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom or allspice.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of honey or maple syrup.
Storage
Store the baked gingerbread shapes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and help the shapes hold their structure.
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour onto the surface and knead it in.
- When cutting out the shapes, use a ruler to make sure they are all the same size and shape. This will make it easier to fit them together when building the gingerbread house.
- If you want to add extra decorations to your gingerbread house, like candy or frosting, wait until the shapes have cooled completely before adding them.
Notes
This recipe makes enough dough for a small to medium-sized gingerbread house. If you’re building a larger house or want to make extra shapes for decoration, you may need to double the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Do I have to use dark brown sugar?
No, you can use light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand. The dark brown sugar just adds a little extra depth of flavor.
Can I freeze the baked gingerbread shapes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked shapes in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before using them.
This gingerbread dough recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to build a sturdy and delicious gingerbread house. The combination of spices and molasses creates a rich and flavorful dough that is both easy to work with and holds its shape well. Whether you’re building a gingerbread house with your family or just want to make some festive decorations, this recipe is sure to impress!