Greetings, dough-tastic readers! Last time, we made a blueprint and shopped till we dropped for ingredients. Now, it's time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the doughy abyss.
Mixing the Dough
Combine flour, sugar, spices, eggs, and butter. Mix until your dough is as smooth as Frosty's dance moves. Once done, wrap it in plastic and let it chill in the fridge. A relaxed dough is a cooperative dough!
Rolling and Cutting
Roll out your dough on a floured surface. Aim for a 1/4-inch thickness—anything more and you're building a gingerbread fortress, anything less and you're in cracker territory. Use your blueprint as a guide to cut the shapes for the walls, roof, and any other architectural marvels you have planned.
Baking Basics
Preheat the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft. Once baked, let the pieces cool completely before you even think about assembly. Patience, young padawan!