Festive Gingerbread House (Print)
Build a charming gingerbread house using spiced dough and sweet royal icing for festive holiday decor.
# What You Need:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 10.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
04 - 3/4 cup golden syrup or molasses
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
11 - 3 large egg whites
12 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Decorations
14 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, etc.)
15 - 1/3 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
16 - Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in golden syrup or molasses and eggs until the mixture is well combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a firm dough forms.
06 - Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - On a floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/5 inch thickness. Use paper templates to cut out house pieces (two walls, two roof panels, and two gables).
08 - Transfer pieces to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm and lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before assembly.
09 - Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until the icing is thick and glossy.
10 - Fill a piping bag with royal icing and pipe along the edges of each piece. Attach the walls first, then secure the roof panels. Support with cans or jars while the icing sets, approximately 30 minutes.
11 - Use remaining royal icing to affix candies and decorations as desired. Optionally, sprinkle desiccated coconut for a snow effect.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The perfect blend of spicy warmth and sweet decoration makes it feel like sharing a cozy holiday hug with friends.
- Building and decorating together has turned into a heartwarming tradition that brings everyone closer.
02 -
- Baking the pieces a day ahead lets them dry out and become sturdier, making assembly a breeze.
- Royal icing sets best away from humidity, a small detail that makes all the difference in stability.
03 -
- Sifting your powdered sugar prevents lumps and helps the royal icing pipe smoothly every time.
- Adding a bit of lemon juice brightens the icing and helps it set with a perfect gloss.