Save 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 recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing both joy and delicious aroma to our gatherings.
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:
- In a bowl whisk together flour baking soda spices and salt In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy Beat in the egg molasses and honey Gradually add dry ingredients mixing until combined Divide dough in half flatten into disks wrap and chill for at least 1 hour
- Roll and Bake the Gingerbread Panels:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) Roll dough on parchment to 5 mm thickness Cut out house shapes using templates walls roof door chimney Transfer to lined baking sheets Bake 12-15 minutes until firm and golden Cool completely
- Prepare Royal Icing:
- Beat egg whites until foamy Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar beat until stiff peaks form Divide and tint with food coloring if desired keep covered with a damp cloth
- Assemble the House:
- Pipe thick lines of icing along the edges of the walls assemble on a sturdy base Hold panels in place for a few minutes until set allow to dry 30 minutes before adding roof Attach roof panels with icing and support until set
- Decorate:
- Use royal icing to attach candies create icicles and add snowy effects Sprinkle with coconut or powdered sugar for snow Let dry completely before moving
Save Building and decorating this house creates lasting family memories filled with laughter and sweet treats.
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 always check labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 330 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 67 g Protein 3 g per serving house divided into 10
Save Enjoy your beautiful gingerbread house and share the joy it brings this holiday season.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I ensure the gingerbread panels are sturdy?
Bake the rolled dough until firm and golden, and chill the dough before rolling to improve stability and prevent spreading during baking.
- → What spices give the dough its festive flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combine to create the classic warm, spiced profile of the gingerbread.
- → How can I make royal icing ideal for assembly?
Beat egg whites with powdered sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form for strong, smooth icing that sets hard to hold panels firmly.
- → What decorating ideas add a festive touch?
Attach assorted candies to create colorful patterns, pipe icicles, and sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- → Are there tips for easier assembly?
Use small glasses or cans to support panels during setting, allow icing to dry fully between steps, and bake panels a day ahead for added firmness.