Oma's Traditional Gingerbread House Kit
This cherished recipe has been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of holiday nostalgia. Originally crafted by my mother, who would delightfully engage students in our class by making gingerbread outhouses, it still brings back fond memories of creativity and joy. Renowned for its rich, spiced flavor and sturdy structure, this template allows you to create not just a decorative gingerbread house, but a family experience filled with laughter and artistry. This recipe serves as both a guide to crafting your unique creation and a delicious treat when the construction is complete. Embrace the warmth and spirit of the holidays by creating your own gingerbread masterpiece, complete with icing and candy embellishments.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white sugar
1 cup (none)
molasses
1 cup (none)
ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon (none)
ground ginger
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (none)
evaporated milk
1 cup (none)
butter, melted
1/2 cup (melted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
flour
5-6 cups (none)
egg whites
6 (none)
icing sugar
1 kg (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, molasses, evaporated milk, melted butter, egg whites, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Gradually add flour, starting with 5 cups and increasing as needed until the dough is manageable and not overly sticky. Flour your working surface liberally.
4
Roll out the dough to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch (1 cm), making sure to turn it often to avoid sticking.
5
Cut the dough into desired shapes according to the measurements provided. For a standard gingerbread house, you’ll need the following pieces: 2 side walls (7" x 4"), 2 roof panels (9.5" x 8"), 4 chimney pieces (2.25" x 1.25"), and 2 end walls (6" x 9", with points cut at the top).
6
Bake the pieces in the preheated oven, checking for doneness starting at 8 minutes, and then every 3 minutes thereafter until they are slightly brown and crisp.
7
Once baked, allow the pieces to cool completely, then dust off any excess flour using a pastry brush.
8
To prepare the glue, melt the sugar in a large heavy pan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a clear brown color. Be cautious, as molten sugar can cause burns.
9
For assembly, dip the edges of the gingerbread pieces into the melted sugar and press them together to adhere. Work quickly as sugar cools fast and hardens.
10
For the icing, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gradually add the icing sugar until smooth and thick.
11
If desired, create a base using leftover dough and bake accordingly.
12
For decorative windows, fill with crushed lollipop on foil, and bake as directed.
13
Enjoy your gingerbread house as both a decorative piece and a tasty treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Oma's Traditional Gingerbread House Kit?
This cherished recipe has been passed down through generations, originally crafted by the author's mother to engage students in creativity and holiday nostalgia.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What are the primary wet and spice ingredients?
The recipe combines white sugar, molasses, evaporated milk, melted butter, egg whites, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
How much flour is required for the dough?
Start with 5 cups of flour and increase as needed until the dough is manageable and not overly sticky, typically using between 5 to 6 cups.
How thick should the gingerbread dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch or 1 cm.
What tip helps prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
You should flour your working surface liberally and turn the dough often while rolling.
What are the dimensions for the side walls?
The side walls should be cut into two pieces measuring 7 inches by 4 inches.
What are the dimensions for the roof panels?
The roof consists of two panels measuring 9.5 inches by 8 inches.
What are the dimensions for the chimney pieces?
The kit requires four chimney pieces measuring 2.25 inches by 1.25 inches.
What are the dimensions for the end walls?
The end walls should be two pieces measuring 6 inches by 9 inches with points cut at the top.
How long should the gingerbread pieces bake?
Bake the pieces and check for doneness starting at 8 minutes, then every 3 minutes thereafter.
What is the indicator that the gingerbread is done baking?
The pieces are ready when they are slightly brown and crisp.
What should be done with the pieces immediately after baking?
Allow the pieces to cool completely and then dust off any excess flour using a pastry brush.
How do you make the edible sugar glue?
Melt sugar in a large heavy pan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a clear brown color.
Are there any safety warnings for the sugar glue?
Yes, be extremely cautious as molten sugar can cause severe burns.
How do you assemble the house using the sugar glue?
Dip the edges of the gingerbread pieces into the melted sugar and press them together quickly to adhere.
Why must you work quickly during assembly?
You must work quickly because the melted sugar glue cools very fast and hardens rapidly.
How is the decorative icing prepared?
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and gradually add icing sugar until the mixture is smooth and thick.
How much icing sugar is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of icing sugar for the decorative icing.
Can I create a base for the gingerbread house?
Yes, if desired, you can create a base using leftover dough and bake it accordingly.
How do you create decorative windows?
Fill window cutouts with crushed lollipops on foil and bake as directed.
Is this gingerbread house edible?
Yes, it is designed to be both a decorative holiday piece and a tasty treat once construction is complete.
What type of milk is used in the dough?
The recipe specifically uses one cup of evaporated milk.
How many egg whites are required in total?
The recipe uses 6 egg whites for the dough and icing combined.
What spices are included in the mix?
The dough is flavored with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of ginger, and 1 teaspoon of cloves.
What type of butter should be used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert and a holiday family activity.
How many gingerbread houses does this kit make?
This recipe is designed to create one standard gingerbread house.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
Gradually add more flour beyond the initial 5 cups until the dough is manageable.
What tool is best for removing excess flour?
A pastry brush is the recommended tool for dusting off excess flour after the pieces have cooled.