Gingerbread makes any place feel cozy and warm. Gingerbread house from www.pinterest.com
Gingerbread houses are a classic holiday activity that everyone loves. Nothing beats the smell of baking gingerbread and the joy of decorating it with candy and frosting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, helping the kids create a festive decoration, or just wanting to make something sweet and seasonal, gingerbread houses are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
For the gingerbread house:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
For decorating:
- Assorted candies and sprinkles
Instructions
To make the gingerbread dough, start by sifting together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Beat in the molasses, milk and vanilla until combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it is smooth. Divide it into two equal pieces and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out one of the pieces of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a gingerbread house cookie cutter or a template, cut out the pieces for the gingerbread house. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the gingerbread pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before assembling.
Meanwhile, make the royal icing. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the egg whites, confectioners sugar and lemon juice until thick and glossy.
To assemble the gingerbread house, start by using the royal icing to attach the sides of the house to the base. Allow the icing to set before attaching the roof and other decorative pieces.
Once the gingerbread house is assembled, decorate it with assorted candies and sprinkles.
Nutrition
One serving of the gingerbread house (1 inch cube) contains roughly 134 calories, 4.3 grams of fat, 21.5 grams of carbohydrates and 1.2 grams of protein. It also contains trace amounts of sodium and dietary fiber.
This treat is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and vitamin B-6.
It’s important to note that the calorie count and nutritional value of the gingerbread house will vary depending on the ingredients used and the amount of decorations added.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gingerbread House
- Make sure your dough is chilled before rolling it out. This will help prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin and ensure it holds its shape.
- Use a template or cookie cutter to ensure all of your pieces are the same size.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface for best results.
- Use a serrated knife to cut out the pieces, as this will give you the cleanest edges.
- Make sure your pieces are completely cooled before assembling.
- Make sure your royal icing is thick enough to hold the pieces together. If it’s too thin, it won’t be strong enough to hold the pieces in place.
- Allow the icing to set before decorating. This will help it hold its shape.
- Have fun with the decorations! Get creative with the colors and shapes of your candies and sprinkles.
Making Memories
Gingerbread houses are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Not only are they fun to make, but they can also be a great bonding experience for families and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just wanting to make something sweet and seasonal, gingerbread houses are the perfect choice.
So gather up your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a fun-filled day of baking and decorating. Your gingerbread house will be the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Have fun, and happy baking!