# Components:
→ 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 packed brown sugar
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)
# Method:
01 - 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.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough on parchment to 1/5 inch 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.
03 - 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.
04 - 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.
05 - 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.
