Build a festive gingerbread creation using gingerbread panels, royal icing, and candy decorations with ease.
# 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 packed 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)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until combined. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll dough out on parchment paper to a thickness of 1/5 inch (5 mm). Cut desired house shapes using templates for walls, roof, door, and chimney. Place shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint icing with food coloring if desired. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along the edges of the walls and attach them onto a sturdy base. Hold panels upright for several minutes until the icing begins to set. Allow joints to dry for 30 minutes before attaching roof panels with icing. Support roof pieces until fully set.
05 - Use royal icing to affix candies and create decorative icicles. Dust shredded coconut or powdered sugar over the assembled house to imitate snow. Allow decoration to dry fully before moving or displaying.
