It’s that time of year again when the air is filled with the sweet aroma of gingerbread and the sound of Christmas carols. And what better way to celebrate the season than by building a gingerbread house? But before you get started, it’s important to consider the dimensions of your creation. In this article, we’ll show you how to build a gingerbread house that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces and flatten each into a disc.
- Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Cut out the shapes for the walls, roof, and chimney of your gingerbread house.
- Repeat with the second disc of dough.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Let the pieces cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cool, use royal icing to assemble the walls, roof, and chimney of your gingerbread house.
- Decorate your gingerbread house with candy, frosting, and other edible decorations.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 270
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 130mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 3 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house templates
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags and tips
- Edible decorations
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your gingerbread house as a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. Or, break it apart and share it with family and friends as a sweet treat.
Variations
Try using different types of candy and frosting to create a unique gingerbread house. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to make a mini village of gingerbread houses.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute honey or maple syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Storage
Store your gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to make it easier to roll out.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut out the gingerbread pieces.
- Let the gingerbread pieces cool completely before assembling your house.
- Use royal icing to glue the pieces together and decorate your gingerbread house.
Notes
Gingerbread dough can be sticky, so make sure to flour your work surface and rolling pin as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought gingerbread dough instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought gingerbread dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions on the package.
How long does it take for the royal icing to dry?
It can take anywhere from 1-2 hours for the royal icing to dry completely. Make sure to let your gingerbread house sit for a few hours before moving it to avoid any breakage.
Can I use non-edible decorations on my gingerbread house?
While it’s not recommended, you can use non-edible decorations on your gingerbread house for a more elaborate design. Just keep in mind that these decorations won’t be safe to eat.
Personal Thoughts
Building a gingerbread house is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. With the right dimensions and decorations, you can create a masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Happy baking!