Gingerbread House Decorating Kit

A festive and fun kit featuring homemade gingerbread panels, royal icing, and a variety of candies for constructing and decorating a classic gingerbread house.

This kit brought all my family together for an unforgettable holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• Gingerbread Panels: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (225 g) molasses, 1 large egg, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt
• Royal Icing: 2 large egg whites (or 4 tbsp pasteurized egg whites), 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• Decorations: 1 cup assorted candies (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.), 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional for snow effect), 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg add mix until combined.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Step 4:

Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.

Step 5:

Using printable or cardboard templates, cut dough into panels for house: 2 walls (4x6), 2 roof pieces (5x7), 2 side walls (4x5).

Step 6:

Transfer panels to prepared baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7:

For royal icing: In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Step 8:

Assemble the house: Pipe icing along the edges of panels and join to form the house structure. Hold pieces together for a few minutes until icing sets allow to dry for 30 minutes.

Step 9:

Decorate: Use remaining icing to pipe details and attach candies, coconut, and marshmallows as desired. Let the house dry until icing is firm before displaying or serving.

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Building this gingerbread house created cherished family moments filled with laughter and creativity.

Required Tools

Electric mixer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheets, sharp knife or cookie cutters, piping bag and tips, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Some candies may contain nuts, soy, or gluten—always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 430, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 89 g, Protein 5 g per serving estimate based on 8 servings

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Enjoy assembling and decorating this classic holiday treat for a memorable festive experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients make the gingerbread panels flavorful?

The panels combine all-purpose flour with brown sugar, molasses, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for rich warmth.

→ How is the house structure assembled?

Royal icing, made from beaten egg whites and powdered sugar, is piped along panel edges to securely bond the house pieces together.

→ Can the decorating process be customized?

Yes, various candies, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows offer creative options to personalize your design.

→ Is it safe to involve children in assembly?

Using pasteurized egg whites in the icing and close supervision make the activity suitable for kids.

→ How long can the baked panels be stored before assembly?

Baked panels can be stored up to a week in an airtight container, letting you prepare ahead of time.