Pin 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 is a holiday tradition in my family that brings everyone together for a fun and tasty project every year.
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:
- a In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. b In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. c Beat in the egg, molasses, and honey. d Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined. e Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Bake the Gingerbread Panels:
- a Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). b Roll dough on parchment to 5 mm thickness. c Cut out house shapes using templates (walls, roof, door, chimney). d Transfer to lined baking sheets. e Bake 12-15 minutes until firm and golden Cool completely.
- Prepare Royal Icing:
- a Beat egg whites until foamy. b Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar beat until stiff peaks form. c Divide and tint with food coloring if desired keep covered with a damp cloth.
- Assemble the House:
- a Pipe thick lines of icing along the edges of the walls assemble on a sturdy base. b Hold panels in place for a few minutes until set allow to dry 30 minutes before adding roof. c Attach roof panels with icing and support until set.
- Decorate:
- a Use royal icing to attach candies create icicles, and add snowy effects. b Sprinkle with coconut or powdered sugar for snow. c Let dry completely before moving.
Pin This recipe has brought many joyful family moments as we decorate and enjoy the holidays together.
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
Pin Enjoy your festive gingerbread house that brings both taste and holiday cheer to any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure the gingerbread panels are sturdy?
Chill the dough thoroughly before cutting and baking the panels firmly but not over-baked to maintain strength and prevent breakage.
- → What ingredients enhance the gingerbread flavor?
A blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates the warm, festive spice profile characteristic of this gingerbread dough.
- → Can I add colors to the royal icing?
Yes, adding food coloring to the icing allows for vibrant decorative effects while maintaining stiff peaks for assembly and detailing.
- → How long should the assembled pieces dry before decorating?
Allow the structure to dry at least 30 minutes between assembling panels and before adding decorations to ensure stability.
- → What are good alternatives to honey in the dough?
Golden syrup can be used as a substitute for honey to maintain a similar sweetness and texture in the dough.
- → How can I add a snowy effect to the decoration?
Sprinkling shredded coconut or powdered sugar over the decorated house adds a charming snow-like finish.
