With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about fun and festive activities to enjoy with family and friends. And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by creating your very own gingerbread house? But this year, we’re putting a unique spin on the classic gingerbread house by creating an “office desk” version that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- Assorted candy and icing for decorating (mini candy canes, gumdrops, M&M’s, etc.)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then the molasses.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one portion of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out the shapes for your “office desk” (a rectangle for the desk, two squares for the computer, etc.) using a sharp knife or cookie cutters. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Once the cookies have cooled, use icing to “glue” the pieces together and decorate with assorted candy and icing. Get creative and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 10g
Saturated fat per serving: 6g
Carbohydrates per serving: 36g
Sugar per serving: 20g
Fiber per serving: 1g
Protein per serving: 3g
Sodium per serving: 85mg
Cooking Time
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or cookie cutters
- Assorted candy and icing for decorating
Serving Suggestions
This “office desk” gingerbread house makes a fun and festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it up with hot cocoa or eggnog for a truly memorable experience.
Variations
Get creative with your decorating! Use different types of candy, icing, and sprinkles to create your own unique “office desk” gingerbread house.
Substitutions
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought gingerbread dough instead of making it from scratch. You can also use any type of candy or icing that you prefer.
Storage
This gingerbread house will keep for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- Be sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to make sure your “office desk” pieces are the right size.
- Be patient when decorating – it can take time to get everything just right.
Notes
This recipe makes one “office desk” gingerbread house. If you want to make more, simply double or triple the recipe as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking it.
Do I have to use a specific type of candy for decorating?
Nope! You can use any type of candy or icing that you prefer. Get creative and have fun!
Can I freeze the gingerbread house?
No, we don’t recommend freezing the gingerbread house as it can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Personal Thoughts
I absolutely loved making this “office desk” gingerbread house! It was such a fun and unique twist on the classic gingerbread house, and it was a hit with everyone who saw it. The recipe was easy to follow and the cookies turned out perfectly. I especially loved getting creative with the decorating – it was so much fun! I highly recommend giving this recipe a try for your next holiday gathering.
Summary
This “office desk” gingerbread house is a fun and festive twist on the classic gingerbread house. Made with delicious gingerbread cookies and decorated with assorted candy and icing, this unique creation is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for holiday gatherings and family fun, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a beautiful centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is creative.
So why not give it a try? Grab your apron and get ready to create a one-of-a-kind “office desk” gingerbread house that’s sure to be a hit!