Save to Pinterest 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 gingerbread house recipe has become a holiday tradition in our family, bringing everyone together to decorate and enjoy the festive spirit.
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.
Save to Pinterest Building and decorating this gingerbread house has created lasting holiday memories for our family.
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 check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 330 , Total Fat 7 g , Carbohydrates 67 g , Protein 3 g per serving (house divided into 10)
Save to Pinterest Enjoy creating your festive gingerbread house and sharing the joy with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you ensure sturdy gingerbread panels?
Use firm dough chilled before rolling and bake panels thoroughly until golden and firm to the touch.
- → What is royal icing used for in assembly?
Royal icing acts as an adhesive to securely join panels and create intricate decorative details.
- → Can decorations be customized?
Absolutely, choose from various candies, sprinkles, and edible pearls to personalize the design.
- → How long should assembled structures dry?
Allow at least 30 minutes drying between assembling walls and roof to ensure stability.
- → What substitutes exist for honey in the dough?
Golden syrup is a great alternative that maintains sweetness and moisture.