Looking for a delicious and fun way to celebrate the holidays? Look no further than the Miller gingerbread house! This classic recipe is perfect for bringing together friends and family for a fun afternoon of baking and decorating. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it also makes for a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually stir in flour mixture until a stiff dough forms.
- Divide dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes for walls, roof, and chimney.
- Transfer shapes to prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Let cookies cool completely before assembling the gingerbread house with royal icing.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 of the recipe)
Calories: 390
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total time: 2-3 hours
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house cookie cutter set
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags
Serving Suggestions:
Decorate the gingerbread house with royal icing, candy canes, gumdrops, and other festive treats. Serve as a centerpiece for your holiday table or as a fun treat for kids and adults alike.
Variations:
Try using different cookie cutter shapes to create a unique gingerbread house. You can also experiment with different colors and flavors of royal icing for decorating.
Substitutions:
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter for a vegan version of the recipe.
- Replace molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
Storage:
Store the gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use a ruler to make sure the walls and roof pieces are the same size.
- Let the royal icing dry completely before assembling the gingerbread house.
Notes:
This recipe makes enough dough for one gingerbread house and some extra cookies. You can use the extra dough to make additional cookies or to decorate the gingerbread house.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before using it.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
Can I use store-bought royal icing?
Yes, you can use store-bought royal icing if you prefer.
The Miller gingerbread house is a classic holiday treat that is sure to bring joy to your family and friends. With its delicious gingerbread flavor and fun decorating possibilities, it’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy. So gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and start baking!