# Required Ingredients:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup molasses or dark treacle
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
→ Royal Icing
13 - 2 large egg whites
14 - 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
16 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
17 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, sprinkles)
18 - Shredded coconut or powdered sugar for snow effect
19 - Edible silver pearls (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until combined. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough on parchment paper to 1/5 inch thickness. Cut out house shapes using templates for walls, roof, door, and chimney. Transfer shapes to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm and golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of wall panels and assemble on a sturdy base. Hold panels in place for several minutes until set, then allow to dry 30 minutes before attaching roof sections with icing. Support until fully set.
05 - Use royal icing to affix candies, create icicles, and add snow effects using coconut or powdered sugar. Allow to dry completely before moving the assembled house.
