Gingerbread for Houses
Transform your holiday crafting with this foolproof Gingerbread for Houses recipe, perfect for building festive and sturdy gingerbread creations. This dough is specially formulated with just the right balance of spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—for a fragrant aroma and warm flavors, while its durable texture ensures your structures stand tall. With a blend of molasses for rich color and a sturdy hold once baked, these gingerbread pieces are easy to roll, cut, and shape into walls and roofs. Ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike, this recipe provides a reliable foundation for your edible architecture, whether you're constructing a simple cottage or an elaborate gingerbread mansion. Use royal icing to secure your pieces, and unleash your creativity with classic candy decorations for a magical and delicious centerpiece this holiday season.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Molasses
- 0.5 cup Water
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the molasses and water to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until workable.
Divide the dough into two large disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Using templates or freehand, cut out the shapes needed for your gingerbread house (e.g., walls, roof panels, door). Transfer the cutouts carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the gingerbread pieces in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.
Remove from the oven and let the pieces cool completely on the baking sheets. The gingerbread will harden further as it cools, making it perfect for construction.
Once cooled, assemble your gingerbread house using royal icing as glue, and decorate as desired with candies, sprinkles, or other edible decorations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.0 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.2 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 3778 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 999.7 g | 364% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.0 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 441.1 g | ||
| Protein | 75.9 g | 152% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 882 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 49.7 mg | 276% | |
| Potassium | 5544 mg | 118% | |
*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.
