Save to Pinterest A festive and fun kit featuring homemade gingerbread panels, royal icing, and a variety of candies for constructing and decorating a classic gingerbread house.
Preparing and decorating this gingerbread house has become a cherished tradition in our family every holiday season.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Panels: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened 2/3 cup (225 g) molasses 1 large egg 1 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp salt
- Royal Icing: 2 large egg whites (or 4 tbsp pasteurized egg whites) 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Decorations: 1 cup assorted candies (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.) 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for snow effect) 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll Dough:
- Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Cut Panels:
- Using printable or cardboard templates, cut dough into panels for house: 2 walls (4x6), 2 roof pieces (5x7), 2 side walls (4x5).
- Bake:
- Transfer panels to prepared baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Icing:
- In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
- Assemble House:
- Pipe icing along the edges of panels and join to form the house structure. Hold pieces together for a few minutes until icing sets allow to dry for 30 minutes.
- Decorate:
- Use remaining icing to pipe details and attach candies, coconut, and marshmallows as desired. Let the house dry until icing is firm before displaying or serving.
Save to Pinterest This activity brings so much joy and teamwork to our family holiday gatherings.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Parchment paper Baking sheets Sharp knife or cookie cutters Piping bag and tips Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Some candies may contain nuts, soy, or gluten always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 89 g Protein: 5 g (per serving, estimate based on 8 servings)
Save to Pinterest Enjoy crafting your festive gingerbread house making lasting memories with loved ones.
Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients are used for the gingerbread panels?
The panels combine flour, brown sugar, butter, molasses, egg, baking soda, and warm spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Royal icing is made by beating egg whites with powdered sugar and a touch of lemon juice until thick and glossy for strong adhesion.
- → Can the gingerbread panels be baked ahead of time?
Yes, the panels can be baked up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- → What types of candies are included for decorating?
The kit includes assorted candies such as gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows.
- → Is this suitable for children to assemble?
Absolutely. For younger kids, pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder can be used for safer icing preparation, making it a family-friendly activity.