Classic Gingerbread Dough for Cookies and Houses
This classic gingerbread dough is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile, perfect for crafting festive gingerbread houses or delicious cookies. With its aromatic blend of spices including ginger, cinnamon, and clove, this dough results in a sweet, slightly spiced treat that can be decorated to your heart's content. This recipe yields enough dough for three generously sized gingerbread houses or 36 delightful gingerbread people, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or creating cherished memories with family, this gingerbread recipe will surely be a highlight of your seasonal baking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated sugar)
Molasses
1/2 cup (Unsulfured molasses)
Ground Ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (Spice)
Ground Allspice
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Ground Cloves
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (Leavening agent)
Margarine
1/2 cup (Softened)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
All-Purpose Flour
3 1/2 cups (Plain flour)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, molasses, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda. Expect some foaming action!
3
Add the margarine, stirring until it is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.
4
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then beat in the egg using a fork. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
5
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently until it's smooth and well-mixed.
6
Divide the dough in half, wrapping one half in plastic wrap and setting it aside for later use.
7
Roll out the remaining half of the dough with a rolling pin until it's slightly thinner than 1/4 inch.
8
Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. For gingerbread houses, prepare a template using graph paper and carefully cut the shapes out with a knife.
9
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the cut gingerbread shapes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
10
Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Once baked, cool the cookies on a wire rack before decorating.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with this gingerbread dough?
This versatile dough is perfect for crafting festive gingerbread houses or making classic gingerbread cookies and people.
How many gingerbread houses does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields enough dough to create three generously sized gingerbread houses.
How many gingerbread people can I make?
You can make approximately 36 delightful gingerbread people with one batch of this dough.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The aromatic spice blend includes ground ginger, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, molasses, and spices, then heat over medium heat until the mixture boils.
When should I add the baking soda?
Add the baking soda immediately after removing the boiling sugar and molasses mixture from the heat.
Why does the mixture foam up?
The mixture foams because of the chemical reaction between the hot molasses mixture and the baking soda.
What type of fat is used in this gingerbread?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened margarine.
How do I incorporate the margarine?
Stir the margarine into the hot mixture until it is completely melted and incorporated.
When do I add the egg?
Allow the mixture to cool slightly first, then beat in the egg using a fork.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose (plain) flour.
How should I finish the dough mixture?
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms, then knead it gently on a floured surface.
How thick should I roll the gingerbread dough?
Roll the dough out until it is slightly thinner than 1/4 inch.
How do I create shapes for a gingerbread house?
Prepare a template using graph paper and carefully cut the shapes out of the rolled dough with a knife.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) for baking these gingerbread treats.
How long do the gingerbread cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are firm.
How should I prepare the cookie sheet?
Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking.
Where should I cool the cookies after baking?
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes, the cookies are designed to be decorated to your heart's content once they have cooled.
What type of molasses is best?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of unsulfured molasses.
Do I need to divide the dough?
Yes, the instructions suggest dividing the dough in half and wrapping one half in plastic wrap while you work with the other.
Is the dough easy to handle?
Yes, after kneading until smooth, the dough is simple to roll and cut into various festive shapes.
What is the texture of the finished cookies?
The cookies are sweet, slightly spiced, and firm enough for structural use in houses while remaining a delicious treat.
Does the recipe require a mixer?
No, the instructions indicate mixing can be done by hand in a saucepan and finished by kneading on a flat surface.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including spices, leavening, and staples like flour and sugar.
Can I use this recipe for holiday traditions?
Absolutely, it is a classic recipe intended for seasonal baking and creating cherished family memories.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Should the margarine be cold?
The recipe specifies softened margarine, which helps it melt quickly into the hot molasses mixture.
What tools are needed for cutting cookies?
You can use standard cookie cutters for shapes or a knife and paper templates for house components.
Is this a spicy cookie?
It has a warm, aromatic spice profile from ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, but it is balanced by sugar and molasses.