Save A festive and charming gingerbread house, perfect for the holidays. This recipe yields sturdy, delicious gingerbread panels and includes ideas for creative decorating with royal icing and candies.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family; we enjoy assembling and decorating the house together while sharing stories and laughter.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Dough: 350 g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 125 g unsalted butter softened, 100 g brown sugar, 1 large egg, 120 g molasses or dark treacle, 2 tbsp honey
- Royal Icing: 2 large egg whites, 400 g powdered sugar sifted, 1/2 tsp cream of tartar, Food coloring optional
- Decorations: Assorted candies gumdrops candy canes chocolate buttons licorice sprinkles, Shredded coconut or powdered sugar for snow effect, Edible silver pearls optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Dough:
- In a bowl whisk together flour baking soda spices and salt. In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg molasses and honey. Gradually add dry ingredients mixing until combined. Divide dough in half flatten into disks wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Bake the Gingerbread Panels:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll dough on parchment to 5 mm thickness. Cut out house shapes using templates walls roof door chimney. Transfer to lined baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes until firm and golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare Royal Icing:
- Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar beat until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired keep covered with a damp cloth.
- Assemble the House:
- Pipe thick lines of icing along the edges of the walls assemble on a sturdy base. Hold panels in place for a few minutes until set allow to dry 30 minutes before adding roof. Attach roof panels with icing and support until set.
- Decorate:
- Use royal icing to attach candies create icicles and add snowy effects. Sprinkle with coconut or powdered sugar for snow. Let dry completely before moving.
Save Sharing this gingerbread house with family creates cherished holiday traditions full of warmth and joy.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls electric mixer rolling pin baking sheets parchment paper sharp knife or templates piping bags and small nozzles sturdy baseboard or cake board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter). Some candies may contain nuts or soy always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 330 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 67 g Protein 3 g per serving house divided into 10
Save This gingerbread house decoration is a delightful holiday project that brings family and festive spirit together effortlessly.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure gingerbread panels are sturdy?
Chill the dough before rolling and bake the panels until firm and golden to create strong, stable pieces for assembly.
- → What ingredients make the royal icing effective for assembly?
Using egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar creates a stiff icing that dries hard, ideal for holding panels together.
- → Can I customize the decorations on the house?
Absolutely! Assorted candies, food coloring in the icing, and snowy effects with shredded coconut or powdered sugar offer endless creative options.
- → How long should the assembled structure dry before moving?
Allow the assembled gingerbread house to dry for at least 30 minutes after attaching roof panels, and longer if needed, to ensure sturdiness before handling.
- → Are there any tips for easier assembly?
Use small glasses or cans to support panels while the icing sets, and consider baking the pieces a day ahead for extra firmness.