National Gingerbread House Day, celebrated on December 12th, is a delightful occasion that brings out the creative confectioner in all of us. This festive day is closely linked with National Gingerbread Decorating Day, making December a sweet and joyous month for baking enthusiasts.
The tradition of crafting gingerbread houses can be traced back to Germany in the 16th century. It gained popularity in the early 19th century after the Brothers Grimm published their famous fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel,” featuring a house made of gingerbread. Over the years, the practice evolved into a cherished holiday tradition.
On National Gingerbread House Day, people of all ages come together to design and construct their edible masterpieces. From quaint cottages to elaborate mansions, the possibilities are as endless as one’s imagination. The foundation is, of course, gingerbread—a spiced cookie dough that forms the walls and roof of these delectable structures.
National Gingerbread Decorating Day, often observed on the same day, complements the building aspect by encouraging the artistic embellishment of these sugary dwellings. Royal icing serves as the mortar, while candies, chocolates, and various edible decorations become the tools for personal expression. It’s a time-honored tradition to adorn these edible homes with colorful gumdrops, licorice, peppermint swirls, and other festive candies.
Celebrating these days can be a family affair or a solo adventure. It’s a chance to unleash creativity, share laughter, and indulge in the joy of both baking and decorating. Whether you’re a seasoned pastry chef or a novice in the kitchen, National Gingerbread House Day welcomes everyone to partake in the merriment.
Communities often organize gingerbread house decorating contests, adding a competitive edge to the festivities. Local bakeries and culinary schools may host workshops, allowing participants to learn expert tips and tricks for crafting the perfect gingerbread abode. The results are often awe-inspiring, showcasing the incredible diversity of designs that can emerge from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and spices.
For those who prefer to enjoy the end product without the hassle of baking, many bakeries and restaurants offer pre-made gingerbread house kits during the holiday season. These kits provide a convenient way for individuals and families to join in the celebration without the need for extensive preparation.
In essence, National Gingerbread House Day and National Gingerbread Decorating Day invite us to embrace the magic of the holiday season through a beloved culinary tradition. Whether you choose to construct a gingerbread mansion with meticulous detail or opt for a whimsical and carefree creation, the joy lies in the shared experience and the delectable outcome that adds a touch of sweetness to the festive season.
Here’s a basic gingerbread house recipe for you to enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- Icing for assembling and decorating (royal icing works well)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out the desired shapes for your gingerbread house walls and roof. Use a template if needed.
- Repeat with the second portion of the dough.
- Bake:
- Place the cut-out shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow the pieces to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the House:
- Once the pieces are completely cooled, assemble your gingerbread house using royal icing as the “glue.” Allow the icing to set before decorating.
- Decorate:
- Let your creativity shine! Decorate your gingerbread house with icing, candies, and other edible decorations.
- Enjoy:
- Once the decorations have set, your gingerbread house is ready to be admired and enjoyed!
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, and have fun creating your edible masterpiece!
For the ultimate icing to adorn your gingerbread creation, royal icing is the go-to choice. Here’s a simple recipe for a perfect royal icing:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps.
- Add the meringue powder to the sugar and mix well.
- Add Water:
- Gradually add the water to the sugar and meringue powder mixture.
- Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients together.
- Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form:
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This may take about 5-7 minutes.
- Check Consistency:
- To check if the icing is ready, stop the mixer and lift the beaters. If the icing forms a stiff peak that holds its shape, it’s ready.
- Color as Desired:
- If you want colored icing, divide it into separate bowls and add food coloring until you achieve the desired shades.
- Decorate:
- Transfer the icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles for detailed decorating.
- Use the royal icing to assemble and decorate your gingerbread house, creating intricate designs and patterns.
- Allow to Set:
- Royal icing dries to a hard, smooth finish. Allow your gingerbread house to sit undisturbed until the icing has fully set, usually within a few hours or overnight.
Royal icing is not only an excellent adhesive for constructing gingerbread houses but also provides a beautiful, professional-looking finish. Its versatility allows for both intricate details and sturdy construction, making it the ultimate choice for gingerbread decorating. Enjoy creating your festive masterpiece!
Here’s a keto-friendly gingerbread house recipe along with a low-carb icing option:
Keto Gingerbread House Dough:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol or any keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sweetener:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated erythritol until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a parchment paper-lined surface to your desired thickness.
- Cut out the shapes for your gingerbread house walls and roof.
- Bake:
- Place the cut-out shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the pieces to cool completely.
Keto Royal Icing:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tablespoon meringue powder
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered erythritol and meringue powder.
- Add Water:
- Gradually add water while whisking until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Decorate:
- Transfer the icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles for decorating.
- Use the keto royal icing to assemble and decorate your gingerbread house.
Enjoy your keto-friendly gingerbread house with a delicious low-carb twist!
Not Your Grams Kitchen 