Easy Ginger Bread House Recipe

A great recipe for ginger bread to make a house.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
3/4 cup cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons salt
7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Buttercream Frosting:
1/2 cup shortening or butter
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3-4 Tablespoons of milk (or to desired consistency)

Directions

In mixing bowl beat shortening, sugar, molasses and water together until well blended.

Add in baking soda, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and salt.

Blend together and add flour. Form into a ball and chill for 1-2 hours.

Roll out dough onto a floured surface and using templates or make your own cardboard house dimensions cut out pieces. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes. Don’t allow to brown. Lay your pattern pieces on top of the cooked gingerbread and trim if needed. The dough may have spread while cooking and you want your pieces to fit nicely together. Let cool and build your gingerbread house.

Buttercream Frosting: In mixing bowl, add all ingredients and blend together. If using different colors separate into smaller bowls and add coloring. Fill frosting into piping bag(s)

Assembly: Prepare a serving tray or square piece of cardboard for the base of your house. Pipe frosting on edges of sides and attach together. Let dry for 20-30 minutes. Then attach the roof. Let dry another 20-30 minutes or overnight. Then let the decorating begin.