Festive Gingerbread House

Building a gingerbread house is a holiday tradition filled with creativity, cheer, and a pinch of patience. This recipe includes everything you need to create edible holiday architecture that is both delicious and fun to make!

Ingredients:

• Three cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• One tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• One large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• Royal icing for assembling and decorating
• Candy for decorating (gumdrops, candy canes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
6. Cut out desired house shapes using templates or gingerbread cutter sets. Transfer to baking sheets.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges aren't lightly golden. Let cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
8. Decorate the house with candies, icing, and whatever festive touches you like!