Save to Pinterest 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.
I have built this gingerbread house many times with my family during the holiday season and it never fails to bring joy and a festive spirit to our home.
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 to Pinterest Our family always gathers around the table enjoying decorating the gingerbread house together making new memories every year.
Notes
Swap honey for golden syrup if desired Pair with spiced tea mulled wine or hot chocolate
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
Save to Pinterest This gingerbread house recipe brings warmth and creativity to your holiday festivities with just the right balance of flavor and sturdiness.
Questions & Answers
- → How can I ensure the panels stay sturdy during assembly?
Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and bake the panels until firm and golden. Allow them to cool completely and dry the icing fully to create a strong structure.
- → What’s the best way to achieve smooth royal icing?
Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form for a smooth, thick consistency.
- → Can I prepare parts of the decoration ahead of time?
Yes, baking the gingerbread panels a day in advance helps them harden for better stability during assembly and decorating.
- → What candies work well for decorating the house?
Use assorted candies like gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, and sprinkles to add colorful details and texture.
- → How do I create a snowy effect on the house?
Sprinkle shredded coconut or sift powdered sugar over the decoration to simulate fresh snow and add a festive touch.