Introduction
Are you looking for a unique and creative way to celebrate the holidays? Look no further than our gingerbread horse stable recipe! This fun and festive recipe is sure to impress your guests and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun activity to do with family and friends. So, saddle up and get ready to create your very own gingerbread horse stable!
Ingredients
For the gingerbread:
- 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 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the royal icing:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended. 3. Add molasses and vanilla; beat until well blended. 4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth. 5. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. 6. Preheat oven to 375°F. 7. Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper. 8. Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface. 9. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin. 10. Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick. 11. Use additional flour to avoid sticking. 12. Cut out cookies with desired cutter. 13. With a wide spatula, transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, placing cookies about 1 1/2 inches apart. 14. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. 15. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. 16. Remove from baking sheet to a wire rack and cool completely. 17. Repeat with remaining dough. 18. While the cookies are cooling, make the royal icing. 19. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. 20. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. 21. If desired, add food coloring and mix until well combined. 22. Once the cookies are completely cooled, use the royal icing to decorate and assemble your gingerbread horse stable.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Chilling time: 1 hour Baking time: 7-10 minutes per batch Decorating time: 1-2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread cutters (house, roof, horse, etc.)
- Cookie sheets
- Wire rack
- Piping bags
- Decorating tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gingerbread horse stable as a centerpiece for your holiday party. You can also use it as a fun and festive dessert for your family and friends.
Variations and Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. You can also add different spices to the gingerbread dough, such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom, to give it a unique flavor. Additionally, you can use different colors of royal icing to decorate your gingerbread horse stable.
Storage
Store your gingerbread horse stable in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about a week.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- Use a pastry brush to remove any excess flour from the cookies before baking them.
- Allow the royal icing to dry completely before assembling the gingerbread horse stable.
Notes
This recipe is a fun and festive activity to do with family and friends. You can also customize it to fit your personal style and preferences.
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. Just be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the gingerbread horse stable?
We do not recommend freezing the gingerbread horse stable, as it may become soggy when thawed.
Can I use a different type of icing?
Yes, you can use any type of icing you like to decorate your gingerbread horse stable. Just be sure to use one that will harden when it dries, such as royal icing or fondant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our gingerbread horse stable recipe is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. With its unique and creative design, it’s sure to impress your guests and bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your family and friends, and let’s get baking!