# Required Ingredients:
→ Gingerbread Panels
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 tsp baking soda
07 - 1 tbsp ground ginger
08 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cloves
10 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp pasteurized egg whites
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice
→ Decorations
15 - 1 cup assorted candies (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.)
16 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, stirring until fully combined.
03 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
04 - Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each between sheets of parchment paper to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
05 - Using templates or cookie cutters, cut dough into house panels: two walls (4x6 inches), two roof pieces (5x7 inches), and two side walls (4x5 inches).
06 - Transfer the cut panels onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until the icing is thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
08 - Pipe royal icing along the edges of panels and join to form the house structure. Hold the pieces together for several minutes until the icing begins to set. Allow the structure to dry for 30 minutes.
09 - Use remaining royal icing to pipe decorative details and attach assorted candies, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows as desired. Let the house dry completely until the icing is firm before displaying or serving.
