A fun kit including gingerbread panels, royal icing, and candy decorations for a festive holiday activity.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Panels
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Decorations
15 - 1 cup assorted candies including gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, and candy canes
16 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg and mix until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until smooth dough forms.
04 - Divide dough into two equal parts. Roll each half between parchment sheets to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
05 - Use templates or cardboard cutouts to cut dough into panels: two walls (4x6 inches), two roof pieces (5x7 inches), and two side walls (4x5 inches).
06 - Place panels on prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag with a small round tip.
08 - Pipe icing along edges of panels and join pieces to form the house. Hold together for a few minutes until set. Let dry for 30 minutes.
09 - Use leftover icing to pipe details and attach candies, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows as desired. Allow the house to dry until icing hardens before display or serving.
