From: Country Living US
Yields:
1
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Gingerbread houses are some of the first signs that Christmas is approaching, and a DIY building kit makes a tasty and creative gift for any child (or child at heart).
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Ingredients
- 6 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 4 tsp. meringue powder
Directions
- Step 1In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and vegetable shortening. Stir until sugar dissolves and shortening melts. Pour the sugar-shortening mixture into the dry-ingredients mixture and, using a wooden spoon, stir until dough forms. Let rest until cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes.
- Step 2Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Place each piece of dough between 2 sheets of parchment and roll until 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 3 hours.
- Step 3Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, line 3 baking sheets with parchment and set aside. Remove dough from refrigerator and unwrap. Using our templates (at countryliving.com/gingerbread) and a pizza cutter, cut out 2 side, 2 front/back, and 2 roof pieces from the dough. Transfer pieces to prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and bake until firm, 30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4For icing mix: In a medium bowl, stir confectioners' sugar and meringue powder to combine.
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