Gingerbread houses

Since we can't buy any ready-to-make gingerbread kits, I have been making these every year with a lot of success. Thanks to Martha Stewart for the template and recipe, the kids enjoy decorating these houses and it is a great holiday activity for us to help us get ready for Christmas. 


Update 2011: Noah has moved on from houses and now requests a gingerbread train. This will be the third year I will be making gingerbread trains and here's where you can find the template from Family Fun's website.

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp GF baking powder

1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 c. dark brown sugar

4 tsp. ground ginger

4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. finely ground black pepper

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups unsulfured molasses

6 cups GF flour

1. In a large bowl, sift together GF flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.

2. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

3. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds and wrap in plastic. Chill for at least one hour.

4. Heat over to 350 degrees. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, or using template instructions, if desired. Place dough shapes on ungreased baking sheets; chill until firm, about 15 minutes. Bake 15 minutes, or until gingerbread is firm in the center but not dark around the edges.