# 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 (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.)
16 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing until fully combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each between sheets of parchment paper to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out panels using templates: two walls 4x6 inches, two roof pieces 5x7 inches, and two side walls 4x5 inches.
06 - Place the cut panels on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until edges are firm. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
07 - Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until icing is thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
08 - Pipe royal icing along the edges of gingerbread panels and press together to form the house. Hold pieces in place for a few minutes until the icing sets. Allow the assembled structure to dry for 30 minutes.
09 - Use remaining royal icing to pipe decorative details and affix assorted candies, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows as desired. Let dry until icing is firm before displaying or serving.
