Gingerbread House Candy Decor (Print)
Assemble a festive gingerbread house decorated with vibrant candies for holiday joy.
# What You Need:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
08 - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
09 - 1/2 cup molasses
10 - 1 large egg
→ Royal Icing
11 - 2 large egg whites
12 - 3 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Candy Decorations
14 - 3.5 ounces gumdrops
15 - 3.5 ounces mini chocolate candies (e.g., M&Ms, Smarties)
16 - 1.75 ounces crushed candy canes
17 - 1.75 ounces jelly beans
18 - 1.75 ounces sugar pearls
19 - 1.75 ounces licorice laces
20 - 1.75 ounces peppermint rounds
# How to Make:
01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until mixture is light and fluffy.
04 - Add molasses and large egg to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring to form a consistent dough. Divide dough in half, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
06 - Roll chilled dough to a thickness of 1/5 inch. Using cardboard templates, cut out house components including walls, roof panels, door, and chimney. Arrange shapes on prepared baking sheets.
07 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm but not browned. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
08 - Beat egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and add lemon juice, beating continuously until stiff peaks form. Transfer icing to piping bags.
09 - Pipe royal icing along edges of house components to join pieces. Hold sections in place briefly to secure. Allow assembled structure to dry undisturbed for 30 minutes to ensure stability.
10 - Attach gumdrops, mini chocolates, crushed candy canes, jelly beans, sugar pearls, licorice laces, and peppermint rounds to the house using royal icing as adhesive. Add decorative details such as windows, doors, and roof tiles. Allow decorations to set completely before display or serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spiced dough smells like Christmas morning and fills your whole kitchen with warmth.
- Decorating together turns into laughter, storytelling, and memories that last longer than the candy does.
- You can make it as simple or elaborate as your mood allows, and it always looks charming.
- Leftovers become the best snack for days, especially the roof shingles dipped in hot cocoa.
02 -
- Chilling the dough is not optional, warm dough spreads in the oven and your walls will warp.
- Royal icing dries fast, so keep it covered with a damp towel while you work or it will harden in the piping bag.
- If a wall cracks, pipe extra icing along the break and let it dry overnight, it will hold better than you expect.
03 -
- Pipe a thick base of icing on your display board first and press the house into it, this anchors everything and prevents wobbling.
- Use a toothpick to nudge tiny candies into place instead of your fingers, you will save yourself sticky frustration.
- If you are decorating with kids, set out small bowls of each candy type so everyone can reach what they need without chaos.