Disney is known for its magic, and what better way to experience it than by creating your own gingerbread house at home? This recipe inspired by the gingerbread house at Disney is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun activity that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread house template (available online) to cut out the walls, roof, and chimney pieces. Repeat with the second disk of dough.
- Bake the pieces for 12-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Assemble the gingerbread house using the royal icing to glue the pieces together. Decorate with additional icing, candy, and sprinkles as desired.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 380
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 206mg
Cooking Time
Total time: 3 hours (including chilling and decorating time)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread house template (available online)
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your gingerbread house as a festive holiday dessert or centerpiece. Serve with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy treat.
Variations
Try adding different spices to the dough, such as cloves or allspice, for a unique flavor. You can also switch up the decorations by using different types of candy or sprinkles.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use margarine or shortening in place of the butter if needed.
Storage
Store your gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the baked pieces for up to one month, then thaw and assemble as desired.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- For a sturdier gingerbread house, use royal icing to glue the pieces together and support them until the icing dries.
- Get creative with your decorations and have fun!
Notes
This recipe makes enough dough for one gingerbread house and some extra cookies. You can use any leftover dough to make gingerbread men or other shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make and chill the dough up to one day in advance. You can also bake the pieces ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the gingerbread house.
Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought icing if you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the gingerbread pieces together.
Can I freeze the assembled gingerbread house?
We don’t recommend freezing the assembled gingerbread house, as the decorations may become damaged or discolored. It’s best to store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This gingerbread house recipe is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. It’s also a great activity to do with kids or as a group. With its warm spices and sweet decorations, it’s sure to delight your senses and bring a little bit of Disney magic into your home. So why not give it a try for yourself?