Gingerbread House: The Cookie

Shopping List

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cups flour
• 4 tsp. ginger
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups molasses
• ¼ – ½ cup water

Note: You may need multiple batches, depending on the size of your house!

Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. Melt shortening, either on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Cool slightly and mix in molasses and sugar.
3. Whisk spices and two cups of the flour together and then add to the sugar/molasses mixture. Add remaining flour about 2 cups at a time, also adding ¼ cup of water to help bring up the consistency.
4. Mix well and add enough water until the dough is not crumbly.
5. Knead the dough until smooth, then shape into two round "discs", bag, and refrigerate overnight (a few days is fine as well.)

Bake the Cookie:

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll dough 1/4″ thick and cut each to the sizes of house pieces you need.
3. Bake at 325 degrees, until firm but not too dark around the edges; should be around 12-15 minutes.
4. Be sure to allow the cookie to cool completely before assembling into your house.