Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- 3D gingerbread house cookie cutters
- Piping bags
- Decorating tips
- Candy decorations
- Royal icing
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out the 3D gingerbread house shapes.
8. Bake the gingerbread house pieces for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
9. Allow the gingerbread house pieces to cool completely before assembling.
10. Using royal icing, glue the gingerbread house pieces together to form the 3D house.
11. Decorate the gingerbread house using candy decorations and royal icing piped through decorating tips.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
1 gingerbread house
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Honey can be used instead of molasses.
- Coconut sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
Variations:
- Use different candy decorations for a unique look.
- Add food coloring to the royal icing for a colorful gingerbread house.
- Use different gingerbread house cookie cutters for a different shape.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a ruler to make sure the gingerbread house pieces are the same size.
- Use a toothpick to help hold the gingerbread house pieces together while the royal icing dries.
Storage instructions:
Store the gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The gingerbread house cannot be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Display the gingerbread house on a cake stand or platter.
Garnishes:
Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Pairings:
Serve with hot cocoa or apple cider.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of Christmas cookies.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- If the gingerbread house pieces break while assembling, use royal icing to glue them back together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces before preparing the gingerbread house.
Food history:
Gingerbread houses have been a Christmas tradition since the early 1800s.
Flavor profiles:
The gingerbread has a warm and spicy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the gingerbread house as a dessert or centerpiece.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Ginger, Rich, Aromatic, Ginger-Flavored