Gingerbread Houses Recipe

Gingerbread houses are a festive holiday tradition that combines creativity with delicious flavors. Crafting your own gingerbread house is a fun activity for all ages, perfect for celebrating Christmas or any winter occasion. This recipe provides the perfect balance of sturdy dough and decorative royal icing to ensure your creation stands tall and looks stunning.

What Are Gingerbread Houses?

Gingerbread houses are edible structures made from spiced gingerbread dough and assembled using royal icing. Decorated with intricate icing patterns and colorful candies, they can serve as a centerpiece for your holiday table or as a fun family activity. This recipe ensures your gingerbread pieces are both flavorful and durable for building.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sturdy and Flavorful Dough: The perfect texture for cutting, baking, and assembling without crumbling.
• Creative Holiday Activity: Fun for kids and adults to build and decorate together.
• Customizable: Use candies, sprinkles, and colored icing to design your own unique house.
• Delicious and Festive: The warm spices and sweet molasses capture the essence of the holiday season.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Dough:

• 5 cups (625g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Royal Icing (for decoration):

• 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
• 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1-2 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Gingerbread Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Baking the Gingerbread Pieces

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness on a floured surface.
3. Cut out templates for the house (walls, roof, base) using stencils or freehand. For extra festive touches, use cookie cutters for additional shapes.
4. Transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until firm and slightly darkened at the edges. Cool completely on wire racks.

Preparing the Royal Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and cream of tartar. Beat on low speed until thick and glossy.
2. Add water a teaspoon at a time to adjust the consistency: keep it thick for assembling and slightly thinner for decorating.

Assembling the Gingerbread Houses

1. Use thick royal icing to glue the walls together. Hold in place for a few moments, then let set for 15-20 minutes before attaching the roof.
2. Attach the roof pieces with icing and allow the house to stabilize before decorating.

Decorating

1. Use a piping bag with a fine tip to add intricate designs such as lace patterns, dots, or snow effects.
2. Attach candy, sprinkles, or other decorations for added color and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Display your gingerbread house as a holiday centerpiece.
• Pair the activity with hot cocoa or mulled cider for a festive gathering.
• Break apart and enjoy the gingerbread with friends and family after the holiday season.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Keep assembled gingerbread houses at room temperature for up to 2 weeks in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from moisture to maintain the structure and decorations.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze unbaked gingerbread dough wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
• Baked pieces can be frozen for up to a month; thaw completely before assembling.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and aquafaba instead of egg whites.
• Spice Customization: Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon or omitting cloves if preferred.
• Candy-Free Decorations: Use nuts, dried fruits, or edible flowers for natural embellishments.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What if my pieces spread while baking?
Chill the cut-out pieces in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

How long does the icing take to dry?
Allow 4-6 hours for the icing to fully harden, especially for intricate decorations.

Building and decorating gingerbread houses is a timeless holiday tradition that brings joy and creativity to the season. This recipe provides everything you need for a sturdy, delicious, and beautifully decorated creation. Gather your family, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the festive spirit of making your own gingerbread masterpiece!

Print