Gingerbread House Cookies
Gingerbread house cookies feature warm spices and rich molasses, perfect for festive occasions. They are easy to decorate and ideal for holiday baking with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar.
- Beat in egg, molasses, and vinegar.
- Sift together dry ingredients; blend in.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into house shapes.
- Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Cool the cookies.
- Decorate with icing and candies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a less intense ginger taste, reduce the ground ginger to 2 teaspoons. Make sure to sift the flour and dry ingredients well to ensure a light texture. If you want to add some fun, use cookie cutters in various shapes to create a festive assortment.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa. For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter alongside a gingerbread house. They also pair beautifully with Aunt Deb's Muffins for a cozy holiday gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store the gingerbread house cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze the cookies; just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingerbread House Cookies contains roughly 193 calories, with 1g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of potassium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. However, note that the texture may be slightly denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
How can I make the icing for decorating?
To make a simple royal icing for decorating, beat together 2 egg whites and about 4 cups of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. You can also use meringue powder as a substitute for egg whites. This icing will harden when dried, making it perfect for adhering candies.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour to help manage the stickiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).