Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes Gingerbread For Houses Be the first to rate & review! By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 26, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Yield: 3 pounds of dough After much experimentation, we've discovered that this recipe for intensely-scented and sturdy gingerbread makes the finest building blocks your gingerbread house could hope for. Ingredients 4 ½ cups flour, plus more as needed 3 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup sugar 1 cup molasses Directions Into a large bowl, sift together flour, spices, baking soda, salt, and pepper; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt shortening over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes. Whisk in sugar and molasses until well combined. Remove from heat, and stir in the flour mixture until just combined but still crumbly. If dough is still sticky, add a bit more flour. Turn out dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap, and wrap to enclose completely; let cool slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into two equal parts, and place on prepared baking sheets. While dough is still slightly warm, roll out gently but firmly to a 3/8-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes, and remove excess dough from around cutters or templates. Bake 30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. Cook's Notes We designed templates based on a drawing of an actual house, but you can use photo templates or cookie cutters to create your own design. Rate it Print