A charming gingerbread house with spiced panels, royal icing, and colorful candy accents for festive gatherings.
# What you'll need:
→ 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 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 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and honey until combined. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a homogenous dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on parchment paper to about 1/5 inch thickness. Use templates to cut out house components including walls, roof, door, and chimney. Transfer shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before handling.
03 - Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar while beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of walls and adhere them onto a sturdy base. Hold pieces in position for several minutes to set. Allow walls to dry for 30 minutes before affixing roof panels with icing, supporting them until stable.
05 - Use royal icing to attach assorted candies, create icicles, and simulate snow effects. Sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Allow the decorated house to dry completely before moving.
