Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? Are you a lover of gingerbread houses and the holiday season? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe will teach you how to make a Hobbit Gingerbread House that will transport you to Middle-earth and bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted candy for decoration (we recommend licorice, gummies, and chocolate chips)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda until well combined.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three separate additions, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be a bit sticky, so don’t be afraid to flour your hands and work surface.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out the pieces for your hobbit house: two squares for the front and back, two rectangles for the sides, and two triangles for the roof.
- Transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Once the gingerbread pieces have cooled, use icing to assemble your hobbit house. Decorate with your favorite candies and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 300
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes per batch
Total time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house cookie cutter set
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Icing bag or ziplock bag
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Hobbit Gingerbread House with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. Share it with friends and family during the holiday season or make it as a fun DIY project for kids.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making a different type of gingerbread house, such as a Victorian mansion or a log cabin. You can also experiment with different candy decorations to make it your own.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- If you’re allergic to eggs, you can use a flax or chia egg substitute.
- If you’re dairy-free, you can use a vegan butter substitute.
- If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Your Hobbit Gingerbread House can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the gingerbread pieces for up to three months and assemble when ready to enjoy.
Tips
- Be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to your work surface.
- Use a serrated knife to trim any excess gingerbread from the edges of your pieces for a clean finish.
- Use royal icing or melted white chocolate to “glue” your gingerbread pieces together.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your candy decorations!
Notes
This recipe makes a large gingerbread house, so be sure to plan accordingly. You can also divide the recipe in half if you prefer a smaller house.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own?
- Can I use food coloring to dye my icing?
Yes, you can make the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Yes, you can use store-bought icing, but we recommend making your own for the best flavor and consistency.
Yes, you can use food coloring to dye your icing any color you like.
Personal Thoughts
Making a Hobbit Gingerbread House is a fun and magical experience that will bring out your inner child. This recipe is easy to follow and the end result is a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house that will impress your friends and family. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Summary
This recipe teaches you how to make a Hobbit Gingerbread House that will transport you to Middle-earth and bring a smile to your face. It includes a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, cooking time, equipment, serving suggestions, variations, substitutions, storage, tips, notes, and frequently asked questions. The end result is a fun and magical gingerbread house that is perfect for the holiday season.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Tolkien soundtrack, and let’s get baking!