The holiday season is a time for fun and creativity, and what better way to express that than by giving your gingerbread houses unique and memorable names? This recipe for gingerbread houses not only provides a delicious treat for your family and friends, but also allows you to showcase your imagination and sense of humor.
So put on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on creating some fun and festive gingerbread house names!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- Candy and icing for decorating
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Beat in the egg, then the molasses and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the water, and mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out each disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes for your gingerbread houses using a template or cookie cutters.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate your gingerbread houses with candy and icing, and give each one a fun and festive name!
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of gingerbread house (1/12th of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 153mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
1 hour (including chill time), plus 10-12 minutes baking time per batch
Equipment:
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or template
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
- Icing bags or zip-top bags for decorating
Serving Suggestions:
These gingerbread houses are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as a fun family activity. Serve them with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy and festive treat.
Variations:
Get creative with your gingerbread house decorations! Use different colors of icing, candy, and sprinkles to make each house unique. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes for your houses.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have unsulfured molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or honey instead. You can also use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Storage:
Store your gingerbread houses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.
Tips:
- Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a template or cookie cutters to make sure all of your gingerbread house pieces are the same size.
- Let the decorated houses sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the icing to dry and set.
- Have fun with your gingerbread house names! Use puns, pop culture references, or anything else that inspires you.
Notes:
This recipe makes enough dough for 2-3 gingerbread houses, depending on their size. You can also use the dough to make gingerbread people or other shapes if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and baking it.
Can I use royal icing to decorate my gingerbread houses?
Yes, royal icing works well for decorating gingerbread houses. You can also use buttercream frosting or any other type of icing you prefer.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
How long will the decorated gingerbread houses last?
If stored in an airtight container, the decorated gingerbread houses will last for up to a week at room temperature.
Personal Thoughts:
This recipe for gingerbread houses is not only delicious, but also a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you go for classic designs or come up with your own unique names and decorations, these gingerbread houses are sure to bring joy to your family and friends. So why not give it a try and create your own fun and festive gingerbread house names?