The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a gingerbread house door decorating contest! This recipe is perfect for bringing family and friends together for a day of fun and creativity. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes for a fantastic holiday decoration.
So, let’s get started and create your very own gingerbread house door masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- Assorted candies, frosting, and decorations of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg and molasses to the large bowl and beat until smooth.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out your door shape using a template or freehand design.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before decorating with candies, frosting, and other decorations of your choice.
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 210
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or template
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Display your gingerbread house door as a decoration or serve as a delicious dessert. It pairs well with a warm cup of hot cocoa or apple cider.
Variations:
Get creative with your decorations! Use different types of candies, frosting, and other edible decorations to make your gingerbread house door unique.
Substitutions:
- For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a healthier option, substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
Storage:
Store your gingerbread house door in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the gingerbread cool completely before decorating to prevent the candies from melting.
- Use a sturdy frosting, such as royal icing, to hold your decorations in place.
- Have fun and get creative with your designs!
Notes:
This recipe makes one gingerbread house door. Double or triple the recipe for multiple doors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, you can make the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting or make your own.
Personal Thoughts:
The gingerbread house door decorating contest is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s a great activity to do with family and friends, and the end result is not only delicious but also makes for a fantastic decoration. Get creative and have fun with your designs!
Summary:
The gingerbread house door decorating contest is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for creativity with decorations. It can be served as a dessert or used as a decoration. The gingerbread house door also stores well in an airtight container for up to one week. Give it a try and have fun creating your own unique masterpiece!
Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #gingerbreadhousedoorcontest. Happy holidays!