Get ready to transform your holiday baking from ordinary to extraordinary with the most Instagram-worthy gingerbread creation ever! This isn't just another cookie house—it's a mid-century modern masterpiece that captures the iconic Palm Springs aesthetic in delicious, edible form. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a design lover, this gingerbread house will transport you to the sun-soaked, geometric wonderland of California's most stylish desert destination.
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 gingerbread house
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- Royal icing for decoration
- Candy for decoration
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- In a separate large stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Gradually add the molasses to the butter mixture, mixing until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a consistent dough forms. The dough should be firm but pliable.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use pre-made gingerbread house template cutters or carefully cut out house pieces using a sharp knife.
- Transfer the cut pieces carefully to the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake the gingerbread pieces for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly darkened and firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of vanilla extract until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Once cooled, assemble the gingerbread house by using royal icing as "glue" to connect the walls and roof pieces. Allow the structural elements to set for 30 minutes.
- Decorate the Palm Springs-inspired gingerbread house with royal icing, using piping techniques to create clean lines and geometric patterns typical of mid-century modern design.
- Add candies and additional decorative elements to enhance the Palm Springs aesthetic, using colors like turquoise, pink, and white to capture the region's iconic style.
- Allow the completed gingerbread house to set and dry completely for several hours before displaying or serving.
Tips
- Chill Out: Refrigerating the dough is crucial. This helps prevent spreading and ensures crisp, clean edges for your architectural marvel.
- Precision is Key: Use a sharp knife or specialized gingerbread house cutters for clean, straight lines that capture the mid-century modern precision.
- Royal Icing Hack: Keep your icing at the perfect consistency by adding powdered sugar gradually. It should be thick enough to hold structure but smooth enough to pipe.
- Color Strategy: Stick to a Palm Springs-inspired palette—think turquoise, soft pinks, and clean whites—to truly capture the design essence.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow plenty of drying time between assembly stages to ensure your gingerbread house stands strong and looks spectacular.
- Decoration Pro Tip: Use candies strategically to add geometric details that complement the mid-century modern design.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 350g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 145g
Saturated Fat: 90g
Cholesterol: 385mg
