Pin this 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.
I have enjoyed making this gingerbread house with family every holiday season, creating joyful memories while decorating each panel.
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.
Pin this One favorite family moment is decorating the house together while sipping hot chocolate and listening to festive music.
Notes
Swap honey for golden syrup if desired. Pair with spiced tea mulled wine or hot chocolate.
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.
Pin this This gingerbread house is a delightful holiday project that combines baking and creativity in a festive way.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the gingerbread panels stay sturdy?
Chilling the dough before rolling and baking the panels a day ahead allows them to harden for easier assembly and lasting stability.
- → What ingredients give the gingerbread its rich flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and molasses combine to create the warm, spiced flavor typical of gingerbread.
- → How is royal icing prepared for decorating?
Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- → Can I substitute honey in the dough?
Yes, golden syrup can be used as an alternative to honey to maintain moisture and sweetness.
- → What are good decoration ideas for a festive look?
Use an assortment of candies like gumdrops and candy canes, create snowy effects with shredded coconut or powdered sugar, and add edible silver pearls for sparkle.
- → How long should the assembled house dry before moving?
Allow the assembled panels to dry for at least 30 minutes before adding the roof and additional decorations to ensure firm bonding.