Classic Spiced Gingerbread House (Printable version)
Sturdy spiced gingerbread and royal icing combine for a festive holiday centerpiece.
# What you need:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup molasses
11 - 1 large egg
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 large egg whites
13 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
16 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate pieces)
17 - Sprinkles
18 - Shredded coconut (optional)
# How To:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy; add molasses and egg, then mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until a stiff dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap tightly, and chill for 30 minutes.
05 - On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates, cut out two walls, two roof panels, and two end walls with door and window shapes. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until edges are firm to the touch. Cool completely on wire racks.
07 - Beat egg whites until frothy; add cream of tartar. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Tint portions if desired.
08 - Pipe a thick line of royal icing along the edges of walls. Press pieces together firmly and hold for several minutes until set. Repeat this step for roof panels. Let dry for at least 1 hour before decorating.
09 - Use royal icing to attach assorted candies, sprinkles, and shredded coconut to create snow effects for festive embellishment.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is forgiving and sturdy—it won't crumble when you're piecing walls together, which means even imperfect cuts become charming.
- Royal icing acts as both glue and canvas, so you're building and decorating simultaneously, no separate steps required.
- Your house actually lasts—the sturdy construction means it can sit proudly on display for weeks without crumbling.
02 -
- Egg whites must be absolutely free of yolk and grease, or your royal icing won't reach stiff peaks no matter how long you beat it.
- The icing needs time to cure—rushing assembly means your walls will slide; patience for that first hour makes all the difference.
- Room temperature is your friend; cold kitchens make everything take longer, while warm ones help the icing set faster.
03 -
- Make your templates from sturdy cardboard and reuse them—this ensures every piece is consistent and your house actually fits together like a proper structure.
- If royal icing is too stiff to pipe, add water drop by drop; if it's too soft, beat in a bit more sifted powdered sugar.