4 Easy & Delicious Holiday Desserts

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while margarine is often less expensive.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia offers a low-calorie alternative, while granulated sugar is more affordable.

royal icing

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt frosting

💰Cheaper: buttercream

Greek yogurt frosting is lighter, while buttercream is often less expensive.

candy decorations

🥗Healthier: dried fruit

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dried fruit adds natural sweetness, while chocolate chips can be more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.

Cut out shapes for the house walls, roof, and any additional decorations.

Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until firm.

Let the gingerbread pieces cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar and water until thick and spreadable.

Use the royal icing to glue the gingerbread pieces together to form the house.

Decorate the assembled house with additional icing, candy, and food coloring as desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens