Print

Perfect Sturdy Gingerbread House Dough Recipe for Easy Family Fun

sturdy gingerbread house dough - featured image
Print Recipe

This gingerbread house dough recipe is designed to be sturdy and easy to work with, perfect for family holiday fun. It balances spice, strength, and chewiness to hold up well during decorating and tastes delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (113 grams) molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt. (5 minutes)
  2. In a separate bowl, beat ¾ cup (170g) softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar until fluffy and pale. (3-4 minutes)
  3. Add ⅓ cup (113g) molasses, 1 large room-temperature egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until combined well. (2 minutes)
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing slowly. When too stiff for the mixer, knead gently by hand until smooth and firm. Add flour if sticky, but do not overdo. (5-7 minutes)
  5. Shape dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).
  6. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll one disc to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Cut out gingerbread house pieces using cookie cutters or cardboard templates. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. (10-15 minutes)
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake pieces for 10-12 minutes or until edges just begin to darken slightly. (10-12 minutes)
  8. Transfer baked pieces to cooling racks and let cool completely before assembly. (30 minutes)

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Chill dough well before rolling to prevent cracking. Avoid overmixing to keep dough tender. Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking. Watch oven carefully to avoid overbaking. Dough can be chilled twice if needed. Dough freezes well up to 3 months. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend. For vegan, use coconut oil or vegan butter and flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread house dough, sturdy gingerbread, holiday baking, family fun, gingerbread recipe, molasses cookies, Christmas cookies

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/perfect-sturdy-gingerbread-house-dough-recipe-for-easy-family-fun/