# List of 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 brown sugar, packed
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 - Combine flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and honey, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until fully blended. Divide the dough in half, shape into flat discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on parchment paper to a thickness of 1/5 inch. Cut house shapes including walls, roof, door, and chimney using templates. Arrange cut pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden brown. Allow to cool completely before handling.
03 - Whisk egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of walls and join on a sturdy baseboard. Hold panels in place briefly until initial set, then allow 30 minutes drying before affixing roof pieces with icing. Support as necessary until fully set.
05 - Use royal icing to attach candies, create icicles, and simulate snowy effects. Sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar to mimic snow. Let decorations dry thoroughly before moving the assembled house.
