Save 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 beloved holiday tradition in our family where everyone gets involved in decorating each 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:
- 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℃ (350℉). 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.
Save This project brings my whole family together baking and decorating with lots of laughs and sweet memories.
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
Per serving (house divided into 10): Calories 330, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 67 g, Protein 3 g
Save Enjoy creating your gingerbread house and making festive memories with loved ones every holiday season.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I ensure the gingerbread panels hold together well?
Chill the dough before rolling, bake panels fully until firm, and use thick royal icing to glue edges securely during assembly.
- → What is the purpose of cream of tartar in the icing?
Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites, helping the royal icing form stiff peaks for strong adhesion and detailed decorations.
- → Can I prepare the panels in advance?
Yes, baking the panels a day ahead helps them dry fully, improving stability and making assembly easier.
- → What alternatives exist for honey in the dough?
Golden syrup can be used instead of honey to provide similar sweetness and moisture.
- → How do I create the snow effect on the house?
Sprinkle shredded coconut or sifted powdered sugar onto the assembled structure for a natural snowy appearance.
- → What tools help with precise panel cutting?
Using templates, a sharp knife, and parchment paper ensures even thickness and clean edges for panel shaping.