Introduction
Are you looking for a fun and tasty activity to do with your family or friends? Look no further than building gingerbread houses! And what better inspiration than the beautiful city of Seattle? In this article, we’ll share with you a delicious gingerbread recipe and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a gingerbread house that pays homage to the Emerald City.
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
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a gingerbread house template, cut out the walls and roof of your house. Bake for 12-15 minutes for small pieces and 20-25 minutes for larger pieces.
- Let cool completely before assembling with royal icing.
- Decorate with your favorite candies and treats to create your very own Seattle-inspired gingerbread house!
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours or overnight
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house template
- Baking sheets
- Cooling racks
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread house recipe is perfect for a holiday gathering or a fun family activity. Serve with hot cocoa and enjoy!
Variations
Feel free to mix up the decorations and create your own Seattle-inspired gingerbread house. Add some gumdrop raindrops or chocolate-covered coffee beans for a truly Pacific Northwest vibe.
Substitutions
- You can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.
- If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storage
Store your gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to handle.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the gingerbread from sticking to the baking sheet.
- When assembling the house, use royal icing as glue. It dries quickly and holds the pieces together well.
- Decorate your gingerbread house on a flat surface to prevent it from collapsing.
Notes
Feel free to get creative and make your gingerbread house your own! Use Seattle landmarks or your favorite candies to decorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use store-bought icing?
Yes, but we recommend using royal icing as it dries quickly and holds the pieces together well.
Absolutely! Roll out the dough and cut into your favorite shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes and enjoy!
Conclusion
Building a gingerbread house is a fun and tasty activity that everyone can enjoy. And with this Seattle-inspired recipe, you can create a masterpiece that pays homage to the Emerald City. So grab your family or friends and get baking!