It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than by making your very own gingerbread house? This classic holiday tradition is a fun activity for the whole family, and the end result is a deliciously festive treat that you can enjoy all season long. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
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 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- royal icing (for decorating)
- assorted candies (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread house template to cut out the walls and roof of your house, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining portion of dough until all of your house pieces are baked and cooled.
- Using royal icing as glue, assemble your gingerbread house, adding any additional decorations (like candy canes, gumdrops, and pretzels) as desired.
- Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or displaying your gingerbread house. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the nutritional information for this recipe. But let’s be real, you’re not eating a gingerbread house for its nutritional value! Just enjoy it in moderation as a fun holiday treat.
Cooking Time
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total time: 3 hours (including chilling and decorating time)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Gingerbread house template
- Candy and decorations
Serving Suggestions
Display your gingerbread house as a festive centerpiece on your holiday table, or break it apart and share with friends and family. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate winter treat!
Variations
Feeling creative? Mix up the candy and decorations you use to customize your gingerbread house. Try adding a peppermint roof, a candy cane walkway, or a gumdrop garden!
Substitutions
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup.
Storage
Your gingerbread house will keep for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- Chill your dough thoroughly before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the edges of your gingerbread pieces for a cleaner look.
- Be patient when decorating with royal icing – it takes time to dry and set!
Notes
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your gingerbread house decorations! The sky’s the limit when it comes to designing your own unique holiday masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a gingerbread house without a template?
While it’s definitely easier to use a template, you can certainly try free-handing your gingerbread house pieces if you’re feeling confident!
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of royal icing?
You can, but keep in mind that store-bought frosting will likely not be as sturdy as royal icing and may not hold up your gingerbread house as well.
Can I freeze my gingerbread house pieces?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can wrap your gingerbread house pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling and decorating.
Making your own gingerbread house is a classic holiday tradition that’s fun for the whole family. With a little patience and creativity, you can create a deliciously festive treat that’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, grab your candy and decorations, and get ready to build a gingerbread masterpiece!
Don’t forget to have fun and experiment with different decorations and designs. And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Happy holidays!