Crafting a delicious gingerbread house is a delightful holiday tradition that brings families together in a creative and festive way. While classic gingerbread houses are typically made with molasses, this recipe offers a unique twist – a scrumptious gingerbread house made without molasses. Perfect for those who may be out of molasses or prefer a different flavor profile, this Easy Gingerbread House recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a charming edible masterpiece that will add a touch of magic to your holiday season.
**Easy Gingerbread House No Molasses**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 large egg
– Icing sugar for decorations
– Assorted candies and edible decorations for decorating
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
– In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
– Add the honey and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
2. **Chill the Dough:**
– Wrap the gingerbread dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes for the gingerbread house.
3. **Prepare the House Pieces:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
– Divide the chilled dough into manageable portions and roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
– Use gingerbread house templates or cut out rectangles for the walls and roof of the house, making sure to cut out doors and windows if desired.
– Carefully transfer the cut-out dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. **Bake the Gingerbread:**
– Bake the gingerbread house pieces in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Remove the baked gingerbread pieces from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before assembling the house.
5. **Assemble the Gingerbread House:**
– Use royal icing as the glue to assemble the gingerbread house. Pipe a thick line of icing along the edges of the walls and roof pieces, then press them together to form the house structure.
– Hold the pieces in place for a few minutes until the icing sets and the house stands on its own.
– Decorate the gingerbread house with icing sugar, candies, and edible decorations to create a festive and whimsical finishing touch.
6. **Enjoy and Share:**
– Once your gingerbread house is assembled and decorated to your liking, display it proudly as a charming centerpiece or edible decoration during the holiday season.
– Invite friends and family to admire your creation and enjoy the delicious gingerbread together.
– Store any leftover gingerbread house in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, if it lasts that long!
Crafting an Easy Gingerbread House without molasses is a fun and tasty way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Get creative with your decorations and enjoy the process of making this festive treat that will surely delight all who see it. Happy baking and happy holidays!
