Save A festive and fun kit featuring homemade gingerbread panels, royal icing, and a variety of candies for constructing and decorating a classic gingerbread house.
This gingerbread house kit has become a holiday favorite in our family, bringing everyone together to create and decorate with joy.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Step 5:
- Using printable or cardboard templates, cut dough into panels for house 2 walls (4x6), 2 roof pieces (5x7), 2 side walls (4x5).
- Step 6:
- Transfer panels to prepared baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For royal 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.
- Step 8:
- Assemble the 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.
- Step 9:
- 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 Decorating the gingerbread house has become an annual tradition for our family creating lasting memories every holiday season.
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
Per serving estimate based on 8 servings Calories 430, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 89 g, Protein 5 g
Save This gingerbread house kit makes holiday decorating accessible and fun for all ages.
Recipe Guide
- → What ingredients are used for the gingerbread panels?
The panels are made with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, molasses, eggs, baking soda, and warm spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Royal icing combines egg whites, sifted powdered sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, beaten until thick and glossy for sturdy assembling and decorating.
- → Can the gingerbread panels be baked in advance?
Yes, the panels can be baked up to one week ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- → What candies come with the decorating kit?
The kit includes assorted candies such as gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows for decorating.
- → Are there substitutions for egg whites in the icing?
For safety, especially with children, pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder can be used instead of fresh egg whites in the royal icing.