It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than by making a delicious and festive gingerbread sleigh? This recipe is perfect for all ages and will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and molasses and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add the water and mix until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use the gingerbread sleigh template to cut out the pieces for the sleigh.
- Bake the gingerbread for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling the sleigh.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 225 | Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Mixing spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread sleigh template
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the gingerbread sleigh as a festive dessert or centerpiece for your holiday table. You can also fill the sleigh with small treats or gifts for a fun surprise.
Variations:
Try adding different spices or extracts to the gingerbread dough for a unique flavor. You can also decorate the sleigh with icing, candy, or sprinkles for a more colorful and festive look.
Substitutions:
- You can use honey or corn syrup instead of molasses.
- You can use margarine or shortening instead of butter.
- You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage:
You can store the gingerbread sleigh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked gingerbread pieces for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut out the gingerbread pieces for the sleigh.
- Let the gingerbread pieces cool completely before assembling the sleigh to prevent them from breaking.
Notes:
Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you want to make more than one gingerbread sleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Can I use a different shape for the gingerbread?
- Yes, you can use any shape you like for the gingerbread. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Personal Thoughts:
This gingerbread sleigh recipe is one of my favorite holiday treats to make. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun and festive activity to do with family and friends. I love decorating the sleigh with icing and candy to make it look like a real sleigh. I highly recommend trying this recipe out for yourself and spreading some holiday cheer!
Summary:
This gingerbread sleigh template recipe is perfect for the holiday season. It’s easy to make and fun to decorate, making it a great activity for all ages. The gingerbread is soft and flavorful, and the sleigh makes for a festive centerpiece or dessert. Try it out for yourself and enjoy the taste of the holidays!