25 May 2025
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 440 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 egg white
4 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa powder
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
2 garlic cloves
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
Creating a chocolate gingerbread house is a fun, festive activity that blends the warm spices of traditional gingerbread with the rich flavor of chocolate. This delectable and decorative project is perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while making a stunning edible display. Follow this recipe to bake, assemble, and decorate your chocolate gingerbread house, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Blend in the maple syrup and egg white until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, and minced garlic.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. This will make it easier to roll out and cut.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness.
- Using gingerbread house templates (pre-made or create your own), cut out the shapes for the walls, roof, and any other structures you want to include.
- Place the cut-out shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Gingerbread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Allow the pieces to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling your house.
5. Prepare the Icing:
- In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and egg white until the mixture is smooth and thick. This will be your "glue" for assembling the house.
6. Assemble the Gingerbread House:
- Assemble your gingerbread house by piping the icing along the edges of each piece, and pressing them together gently. Allow to set for a few minutes between attaching each piece to ensure stability.
- Use small cans or jars to support the pieces if needed while the icing dries and hardens.
7. Decorate:
- Once the structure is complete and the icing has set, decorate your gingerbread house with additional icing, candies, or any desired decorative elements.
8. Enjoy:
- Display your chocolate gingerbread house to enjoy through the holiday season, or carefully break it down to share and eat with friends and family.
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar and syrup.
- Always sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure an even mixture.
- For a sturdier house, consider chilling the dough before rolling it out to make the pieces easier to cut and maintain their shape during baking.
- Use the egg white to make royal icing, which acts as a strong adhesive for assembling the house.
- Allow the gingerbread pieces to cool completely before assembling to prevent them from breaking.
- Decorate your house with various candies and edible decorations once the structure is secure and the icing has set.
With your chocolate gingerbread house now complete, you can proudly showcase your edible masterpiece as a centerpiece for the holiday season. This deliciously festive project not only brings the family together but also offers a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged by any initial challenges. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful results!