# 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 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup packed 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)
# Instructions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until combined. Divide dough, flatten into disks, wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on parchment paper to 1/5 inch thickness. Cut shapes for walls, roof, door, and chimney using templates. Transfer to lined baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until firm and lightly golden. 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 until use.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of wall panels and assemble on a sturdy base. Hold panels until set, allow to dry for 30 minutes before attaching roof pieces. Secure roof with icing and support until completely firm.
05 - Use royal icing to affix candies, create icicle designs, and add snowy effects. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or powdered sugar for a snow-covered look. Let dry fully before moving.
