There’s something magical about the aroma of gingerbread wafting through the house during the holiday season. The joy of creating and decorating your own gingerbread house is a cherished tradition for many families. Today, we’re bringing you the ultimate gingerbread house recipe along with a free template to make your decorating process a breeze. Get ready to craft a charming and delicious centerpiece for your festive celebrations with our “The Ultimate Gingerbread Houses Free Template And Recipe Tessie Fay.”
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons ground ginger
– 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses and beat until well combined.
2. Mix in the ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Dissolve the baking soda in 2 teaspoons of hot water, and then add it to the mixture.
4. Gradually stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. After chilling, roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use the provided template to cut out the pieces for your gingerbread house – front, back, two sides, and roof.
7. Carefully transfer the cut pieces onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are firm. Let the pieces cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second portion of dough to create additional pieces for your house, if needed.
9. To assemble the house, prepare a batch of royal icing to use as “glue” – mix the egg white, vanilla, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Begin by attaching the sides of the house to the front piece using the royal icing as glue. Hold the pieces in place until set. Repeat for the back side.
11. Once the walls are in place, add the roof pieces and let the structure dry and harden for a few hours.
12. Now comes the fun part – decorating your gingerbread house! Use a variety of candies, icing, and edible decorations to bring your creation to life. Let your imagination run wild!
Enjoy the festive spirit and the delicious smell of freshly baked gingerbread as you assemble and decorate your very own gingerbread house. Remember, it’s not just a decoration, but also a delightful treat to enjoy with your loved ones throughout the holiday season. Happy baking and decorating!
