# What you need:
→ 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 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)
# How to make it:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until combined. Divide dough in half, form into disks, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out chilled dough on parchment paper to approximately 1/5 inch thickness. Cut shapes for walls, roof, door, and chimney using templates. Transfer pieces to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden brown. Cool completely before assembly.
03 - Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar while beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with desired food coloring. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of gingerbread panels. Assemble walls on a sturdy base, holding each panel in place for several minutes until set. Allow walls to dry for 30 minutes before attaching roof panels with icing. Support the structure while drying to ensure stability.
05 - Use royal icing to affix assorted candies, create icicle effects, and add embellishments. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or powdered sugar to simulate snow. Allow all decorations to dry completely before handling the house.
