25 Day Christmas Countdown

Day 24

Amazing Gingerbread Houses 

I didn’t get one made this year, but we made this one last year. My daughter and a sweet adopted family friend made an amazing one that I am very proud of. I will add the directions to make it from scratch, The directions I will share will give you the recipe (which I will add as always), the house template, the supplies, and a royal icing recipe.

Happy baking and constructing! I hope the memories you make while doing this will be wonderful and happy in the years to come.

When you see my picture you will see it constructed in the shape of a log cabin. This was done on purpose. If you wish to do the same then roll your dough out in the form of a square or rectangle and when before baking use a ruler and pizza cutter and cut into blocks.

Ingredients

Note: This is a double batch to make an amazing house from.

1 c butter, softened

1 c brown sugar

1 1/3 c molasses

4 eggs

8 c all-purpose flour (divided)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

Frosting

2 lbs confectioners sugar

1 tsp cream of tarter

6 egg whites

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the molasses and eggs. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, baking soda, salt, all spice, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger; beat into the molasses mixture. Gradually stir in the remaining flour by hand to form a stiff dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (if you want bricks, cut with your ruler and pizza cutter now. Place pieces 1 inch apart onto parchment lined cookie sheets.  Refrigerate for 15 mins.

Bake for 8-10 mins in a preheated oven. Cool on a baking sheet for 5 mins before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing

In a medium bowl, sift together confectioners sugar and cream of tartar . Blend in egg whites. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat for about 5 minutes, or until mixture is thick and stiff. Keep covered with a moist cloth and plastic wrap until ready to decorate.

Enjoy the fun of baking and making this amazing Gingerbread house!

PS….