The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating a delicious and fun gingerbread house display? In Seattle, gingerbread houses are a staple of the holiday season, and they can be seen on display in many shops, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city. In this recipe blog article, we’ll be sharing the secrets to creating your own gingerbread house display that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted candies for decoration (such as gum drops, candy canes, and M&Ms)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, and shape each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or cookie cutters.
- Transfer the gingerbread house pieces to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Repeat with the remaining dough until all pieces are baked and cooled.
- Assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing as glue. Decorate with assorted candies as desired.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of gingerbread house (1/8th of recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 390
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 71g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 45g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or template
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Mixer or hand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Spatula
- Piping bag or plastic bag with corner snipped off
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread houses are a fun and festive holiday treat that can be enjoyed by all. Serve them as a centerpiece on your holiday table, or gift them to friends and family. They also make a great activity for kids to decorate with their favorite candies.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to mix things up, try using different shapes for your gingerbread house, or swap out the candies for something that fits your personal taste. You can also add flavors like orange zest or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Storage
Gingerbread houses can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re planning on keeping them for longer, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to apply the royal icing.
- Be creative with your candy decorations! The more colorful and varied your candies, the more festive your gingerbread house will look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gingerbread house dough ahead of time?
Yes! Gingerbread house dough can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll it out and cut out your pieces as directed in the recipe.
Can I use store-bought royal icing?
Yes, you can use store-bought royal icing if you don’t have the time or ingredients to make your own. Just make sure to check the consistency and thin it out with a little water if needed.
Can I freeze my gingerbread house?
Yes, gingerbread houses can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use them, allow them to thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Personal Thoughts and Summary
Gingerbread houses are a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, and this recipe is sure to impress. The dough is easy to work with and the finished product is both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you’re looking to create a centerpiece for your holiday table or a fun activity for the kids, this gingerbread house display is sure to be a hit.
Overall, this recipe is a great way to get creative and have some fun in the kitchen. So why not give it a try and see what kind of gingerbread house you can come up with? Happy baking!