Gingerbread Castle
Transform your holiday baking into a magical centerpiece with this show-stopping Gingerbread Castle! Crafted from warmly spiced gingerbread with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this edible artwork is as delicious as it is visually stunning. The recipe guides you through creating intricate castle walls, turrets, and festive decorations using homemade royal icing and vibrant assorted candies like gumdrops and candy canes. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday displays, this baking project combines creativity and flavor, making it a delightful activity for all ages. Whether you’re showcasing it as a whimsical table centerpiece or letting it double as a sweet treat, the Gingerbread Castle is guaranteed to wow your guests this holiday season.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons Ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup Molasses
- 1 unit Large egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 cups Powdered sugar (for royal icing)
- 3 unit Egg whites (for royal icing)
- 1 teaspoon Cream of tartar (for royal icing)
- 2 cups Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate pieces, etc.)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed, until a stiff dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out castle wall shapes, turrets, and any other design pieces needed using a template or cookie cutters. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
Bake the gingerbread pieces in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until firm and slightly browned around the edges. Cool completely on wire racks.
Prepare the royal icing by beating the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the icing is smooth and holds stiff peaks. Transfer to a piping bag with a small round tip.
Assemble the castle by using royal icing as 'glue' to attach the gingerbread walls and turrets. Allow each section to dry and set before attaching adjoining pieces.
Decorate the castle with royal icing details and assorted candies as desired. Use your creativity to make it look whimsical and festive!
Allow the castle to set fully before serving or displaying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1273 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.5 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 316 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 244.5 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 161.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.8 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 775 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
