It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a gingerbread house contest? Whether you’re hosting your own competition with family and friends, or participating in a community event, there are so many fun ways to get creative in the kitchen with this classic holiday treat. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular gingerbread house contest categories, and provide you with all of the information you need to build your best gingerbread house yet!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- Assorted candy and decorations for your gingerbread house
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until well blended. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until well blended.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal portions, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out 1 portion of dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a sharp knife or cookie cutters. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining portion of dough.
- Once your gingerbread house pieces are cooled and ready, it’s time to start assembling and decorating your masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/8 of recipe):
- Calories: 399
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 64mg
- Sodium: 211mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 59g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire racks
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gingerbread house as a festive centerpiece for your holiday table, or enjoy it as a sweet and delicious treat throughout the season!
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your gingerbread house decorations! Use your favorite candies, frosting, and other toppings to make your house unique and festive. You can also substitute different spices or types of molasses to customize the flavor of your gingerbread.
Storage
Your gingerbread house will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips and Notes
- Be sure to chill your gingerbread dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting it, to ensure that your pieces hold their shape.
- Use a variety of candies and decorations to make your gingerbread house truly stand out!
- Make sure your frosting is thick and sturdy enough to hold your house together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my gingerbread house ahead of time?
Yes! You can make your gingerbread house pieces up to a week in advance, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate and assemble your house.
What’s the best way to attach my gingerbread house pieces?
Use a thick and sturdy frosting, such as royal icing, to attach your gingerbread house pieces together.
Can I use store-bought frosting and candy for my gingerbread house?
Absolutely! While homemade frosting and decorations can be fun and festive, store-bought options can be just as delicious and convenient.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to create a show-stopping gingerbread house for your next holiday competition. Get creative, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the sweet taste of success!