Winter is here and it’s time to bring out the baking sheets and start creating your very own gingerbread house! This classic holiday tradition is perfect for bringing the family together to create something delicious and beautiful. With a range of gingerbread house patterns to choose from, you can create a sweet winter wonderland that will make everyone’s mouths water. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, alternating with the warm water until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out your desired pattern shapes using a sharp knife or cookie cutters.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on the baking sheet before assembling your gingerbread house.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or cookie cutters
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gingerbread house as a festive centerpiece during holiday meals or as a special treat to share with loved ones. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate cozy winter experience.
Variations
Get creative with your gingerbread house by adding your own personal touches! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add candy canes, gumdrops, and other festive candies to decorate your gingerbread house.
- Use royal icing to “glue” your gingerbread house together and to decorate it with snowflakes, icicles, and other winter-inspired designs.
- Cut out different shapes for your gingerbread house, such as trees, snowmen, and gingerbread people.
Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can make the following substitutions:
- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan butter can be used in place of unsalted butter.
- Coconut sugar can be used in place of brown sugar.
- Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be used in place of the egg for a vegan option.
Storage
Your gingerbread house can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the gingerbread for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it completely before assembling your gingerbread house.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar.
- If your dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until it comes together.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it forms a smooth ball.
- Allow your gingerbread to cool completely before assembling your gingerbread house to prevent it from collapsing.
Notes
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gingerbread house patterns! There are endless possibilities for creating your own unique winter wonderland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cut out gingerbread house patterns?
You can use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut out your desired pattern shapes. It’s important to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and to prevent the dough from tearing.
How do I make sure my gingerbread house stays together?
Use royal icing to “glue” your gingerbread house together. It’s also important to let each piece of gingerbread dry completely before assembling your gingerbread house to ensure that it stays sturdy.
Can I make a gluten-free gingerbread house?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free gingerbread house.
Can I freeze my gingerbread house?
Yes, you can freeze your gingerbread house for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it completely before assembling your gingerbread house.
Personal Thoughts
Gingerbread houses are a magical holiday tradition that I look forward to every year. There’s something special about creating a beautiful and delicious winter wonderland with loved ones. This recipe is easy to follow and allows for endless creativity with the different gingerbread house patterns. I encourage everyone to try making their own gingerbread house this holiday season!