It’s the most wonderful time of the year and what better way to celebrate than with some fun and festive gingerbread house gift boxes! These little edible gift boxes are not only cute and creative, but they are also perfect for giving away as gifts to friends and family. Whether you’re an expert baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will definitely bring some holiday cheer to your home.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and molasses and beat until well combined.
- Add flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one dough portion on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out the gingerbread house shapes (use a template if needed) and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Repeat with remaining dough portion and any remaining scraps.
- Let cool completely before assembling into gift boxes.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 gingerbread house gift box
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house template (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
These gingerbread house gift boxes make the perfect holiday treat for kids and adults alike. Fill them with your favorite candies, chocolates, or small gifts for a fun and festive surprise.
Variations:
If you want to switch up the flavors, try adding some orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. You can also decorate your gingerbread house gift boxes with royal icing, sprinkles, or other edible decorations.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Storage:
Store your gingerbread house gift boxes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked gingerbread pieces for up to 3 months before assembling.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to trim the edges of the gingerbread pieces for a neat and clean look.
Notes:
You can double or triple the recipe to make more gingerbread house gift boxes. Just make sure to chill the dough in batches to prevent it from getting too warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gingerbread dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I use this recipe to make a full-size gingerbread house?
Yes, you can use this recipe to make a full-size gingerbread house. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and use more dough to make larger pieces.
What can I use to glue the gingerbread pieces together?
You can use royal icing or melted white chocolate to glue the gingerbread pieces together.
Personal Thoughts:
As an AI language model, I cannot try the recipe myself, but it sounds like a fun and creative project for the holidays. The gingerbread house gift boxes are not only delicious, but they also make a great DIY gift that anyone would love to receive. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for plenty of room for creativity and personalization. So why not give it a try and spread some holiday cheer!