Get ready to add some holiday cheer to your home with these adorable mini gingerbread house ornaments. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for a fun and creative activity with friends and family. Perfect for decorating your tree or giving as gifts, these mini gingerbread houses are sure to spread some holiday joy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted candy and icing for decoration
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. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until dough comes together. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out house shapes using a small cookie cutter or a knife.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, make a small hole at the top of each house for hanging. Place houses on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Let houses cool completely before decorating with icing and candy.
Nutritional Information
Each mini gingerbread house ornament (without decoration) contains approximately:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Small cookie cutter or knife
- Toothpick or skewer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Icing bags or Ziploc bags
Serving Suggestions
These mini gingerbread house ornaments are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, hanging as festive garland, or giving as gifts. Serve alongside hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
Variations
Get creative with your decorations! Use different types of candy, such as gumdrops, candy canes, or M&Ms, to decorate your mini gingerbread houses. You can also add a touch of sparkle with edible glitter or dusting them with powdered sugar.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You can also use margarine instead of unsalted butter, but the flavor may be slightly different.
Storage
Store your mini gingerbread house ornaments in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a small cookie cutter or knife to cut out your house shapes, but be careful not to make them too thin or they may break when baking.
- Let the houses cool completely before decorating with icing and candy to avoid any melting or smudging.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 20 mini gingerbread house ornaments, depending on the size of your cookie cutter or knife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these mini gingerbread house ornaments up to 2 weeks in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze these mini gingerbread house ornaments for up to 3 months. Be sure to let them thaw completely before decorating.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of unsalted butter, but the flavor may be slightly different.
These mini gingerbread house ornaments are not only delicious, but they also bring a fun and festive touch to any holiday decor. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for plenty of creativity when it comes to decorating. I love making these with my family and friends, and they always make for a great gift or party favor. Give them a try and spread some holiday cheer!