Introduction
‘Tis the season for gingerbread houses, and what better way to make it extra special than creating a gingerbread light up house? This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a little extra sparkle to their holiday decorations. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a delicious treat to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour – 1 tablespoon ground ginger – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon ground cloves – 1 teaspoon baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 3/4 cup brown sugar – 1/2 cup molasses – 1 large egg – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Assorted candy for decoration – Royal icing – LED lights
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. 3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the dough forms. 5. Divide the dough into two pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 6. Roll out each piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and cut out the shapes for your gingerbread house. 7. Bake the gingerbread pieces for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely. 8. Assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing as glue. 9. Decorate the house with assorted candy. 10. To light up the gingerbread house, cut out small holes to insert LED lights.
Nutritional Information
– Calories: 230 – Fat: 9g – Carbohydrates: 35g – Protein: 2g – Sodium: 110mg
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes per batch
Equipment
– Mixing Bowls – Hand Mixer – Measuring Cups and Spoons – Rolling Pin – Parchment Paper – Gingerbread House Cookie Cutters – Baking Sheet – Aluminum Foil – LED Lights
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gingerbread light up house as a centerpiece for your holiday party. It’s a great conversation starter and will surely impress your guests. Don’t forget to have extra candy on hand for guests to decorate their own gingerbread house.
Variations
– Use different types of candy for decoration. – Make a gingerbread village instead of a gingerbread house. – Use different colors of LED lights to create a different atmosphere.
Substitutions
– Use honey instead of molasses. – Use margarine instead of butter. – Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store the gingerbread light up house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips
– Make sure the gingerbread dough is chilled before rolling it out. – Use royal icing as glue to assemble the gingerbread house. – Be creative with your candy decorations.
Notes
– LED lights are preferable to regular lights as they do not emit heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before rolling it out. Q: Can I use regular lights instead of LED lights? A: We do not recommend using regular lights as they may emit heat and melt the candy decorations.
Personal Thoughts
This gingerbread light up house is not only a fun and festive project to make, but it’s also a delicious treat to enjoy. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and cozy aroma that will fill your home. The LED lights add an extra touch of magic and make it a great centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations and have fun with it. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. In conclusion, the gingerbread light up house is a must-try for anyone who loves the holiday season. It’s a fun and delicious project that will surely impress your guests. So why not give it a try and add a little extra sparkle to your holiday decorations this year?