How to Make Gingerbread Houses | Bake It Up a Notch with Erin McDowell

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 mixing bowl, add room temperature shortening and beat it to loosen it up.

Add brown sugar to the shortening and cream until light and fluffy.

Slowly add molasses to the mixture while the mixer is running to prevent splitting.

Scrape down the bowl and paddle to ensure everything is well combined.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

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

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

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

Cut out shapes for the house walls and roof.

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

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens