OH, Forks!™ Gingerbread House Recipe

ohforks
Cuisine
Course
Serves 1 Gingerbread House
Equipment
mixer or large mixing bowl and spatula
baking sheets
parchment paper
Prep time
1h 0m
Cook Time
20m

Merry Christmas! If your kids are like ours, they LOVE decorating just about anything during the holidays, for just about any reason! Gingerbread houses are a staple of this holiday, and many, MANY people love making them from scratch! Us, too! So, here’s our gluten free version, keeping gingerbread house decorating safe for Celiac’s everywhere!

 

I should probably add that this is NOT the recipe for gingerbread cookies, and not a recipe we typically eat! I believe the cats gnaw on it more than we do, as my teenagers usually bring out the glue, sequins, glitter, and non-edibles!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup
    butter or ghee, room temperature
  • 1/2 Cup
    dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 Cup
    light molasses
  • 1 Tablespoon
    cinnmon
  • 1 Tablespoon
    ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon
    ground cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon
    baking soda
  • 2 Cups
    OH, Forks! All Purpose Flour Mix OR any gluten free basic flour mix
  • 2 Tablespoons
    water
  • LOTS of Pieces
    of gluten free candies to decorate with! Chocolate chips, coconut shreds, gummi candy, and more! Be creative!
  • A few Cups
    of Royal Icing; recipe is below

Instructions

  1. Simple Directions!

    In a large mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough.

    Chill at least 45 minutes or until firm.

    Preheat oven to 375F.

    Cut paper patterns for the gingerbread house. (See image below. Save it to your computer, print it out-- OR draw your own!)

    Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large cookie sheet. Place cut-out paper patterns onto the rolled out dough. With a sharp knife, cut around each of the pieces, leaving pieces in place. Carefully place pieces on parchment paper lined baking sheets. (Even easier, roll out dough on the parchment paper. Trace pieces, remove dough in between your pieces, and slide tray in to bake. Transferring pieces is tricky, unless you have a giant turner.)

    Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes until dough feels firm. Allow to completely cool before making into gingerbread house.

    If you're not eating your house, consider using hot glue to connect pieces, and royal icing to decorate! Speeds up the process for little kids, and ensures the house stays together for the long haul!

  2. Simple Directions for the Royal Icing!

    -2 cups powdered sugar, or powdered coconut sugar
    -2 TBSP meringue powder
    - 1/2 tsp almond extract (or clear vanilla)
    - 1/4 cup of water, +/- depending on thickness desired. (Thicker is good for securing the walls and roof. )

    In small bowl, add powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add extract, and half of the water. Mix. Add the rest of the water in small amounts, or until thickness is desired. Use in bags, or spread with knives.