Are you ready to take your holiday baking to the next level? Look no further than the Solvang Bakery Gingerbread House! This classic recipe has been a staple in our family for years, and it never fails to bring joy and excitement to the holiday season. Not only is it a fun activity for kids and adults alike, but it also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any holiday gathering. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or cookie cutter. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool completely before assembling.
- Using royal icing as glue, assemble the gingerbread house pieces into a house shape. Decorate with additional royal icing, candy, and other edible decorations as desired.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1/8 of gingerbread house
Calories: 520
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 140mg
Carbohydrates: 85g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 47g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including chill time)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house template or cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Pastry bag or zip-top bag for icing
Serving Suggestions:
Display your gingerbread house as a centerpiece on your holiday table, or package it up as a gift for friends and family. It also makes for a delicious dessert when paired with hot cocoa or apple cider.
Variations:
Get creative with your gingerbread house decorations! Use different candies and icing colors to make it your own. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes for a unique twist on the classic gingerbread house.
Substitutions:
- You can use shortening or margarine in place of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
- Honey or corn syrup can be used in place of molasses, but again, the flavor will be different.
- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage:
Your gingerbread house can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a serrated knife to trim any uneven edges on your gingerbread pieces.
- Be patient when assembling your gingerbread house – it may take some time to get everything to stick together!
Notes:
This recipe makes enough dough for one gingerbread house, but you can easily double or triple it if you’re making multiple houses or want to have extra dough for decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before rolling it out and baking.
- Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own? Yes, store-bought icing can be used as a substitute for royal icing.
- Can I freeze my assembled gingerbread house? It’s not recommended, as the decorations may become soggy when thawed.
Final Thoughts:
The Solvang Bakery Gingerbread House is a holiday classic for a reason – it’s fun, festive, and delicious! Whether you’re making it with kids or adults, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So why not give it a try this holiday season? You won’t regret it!