Gingerbread House with Royal Icing

Name: Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 1 house
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 egg; Royal icing for decoration; Assorted candies for decoration

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Create a festive masterpiece with this delightful Gingerbread House, adorned with beautiful royal icing. Perfect for holiday decorating, this recipe will bring joy to your kitchen and home.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-12-12T20:09:49.450Z

This Gingerbread House is not just a treat; it's a holiday tradition that brings families together. The sweet aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses fills your home as you bake and decorate your very own edible masterpiece!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delightfully spiced gingerbread that captures the essence of the holidays
Fun activity for families and friends to bond over
Can be customized with your favorite candies and decorations

      

The Joy of Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread houses have become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing families together to create something truly special. The process of baking, assembling, and decorating not only allows for creativity but also fosters teamwork and bonding. Each house is a unique representation of imagination, making it a cherished memory for years to come.

As you gather your loved ones around the kitchen, the aroma of warm spices fills the air, evoking feelings of nostalgia and holiday cheer. This activity is not just about the final product; it’s about the laughter, the shared stories, and the joy of creating together. Embrace the mess and enjoy every moment!

Tips for a Successful Build

To ensure your gingerbread house stands tall and proud, it’s crucial to use a sturdy dough. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and molasses creates a rich and dense dough that holds up well when assembled. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this step is essential for easy handling and cutting.

When cutting out your house pieces, precision is key. Use templates for consistent shapes, and be sure to allow extra time for baking if your pieces are thick. Once baked, let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling. This will prevent any collapsing or cracking during the construction phase.

Customizing Your Creation

The fun doesn’t stop at assembly! Personalize your gingerbread house with a variety of candies and decorations. From colorful gumdrops to chocolate bars, the options are endless. Encourage creativity by allowing everyone to choose their favorite treats, making each house a reflection of individual tastes.

Consider using natural elements like pretzel sticks for fencing or shredded coconut for snow. Edible glitter can add a magical touch, making your gingerbread house sparkle. The best part is that there are no limits to your imagination; each house can tell its own unique story through its decorations.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Gingerbread House Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
Royal icing for decoration
Assorted candies for decoration

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your gingerbread house.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, then gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms.

Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Cut and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use templates to cut out the pieces of the house. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Let cool completely before assembling.

Assemble the House

Using royal icing as glue, attach the walls and roof pieces together. Allow it to set for a few hours or overnight for stability.

Decorate

Once the house is assembled, decorate it with royal icing and assorted candies to your liking. Get creative!

Let the decorations dry completely before displaying your gingerbread house.

Storing Your Gingerbread House

Once your gingerbread house is complete, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its beauty. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you plan on displaying it for an extended period, consider covering it lightly with a clear plastic wrap to protect it from dust while still allowing it to be admired.

Avoid placing it in areas with high humidity, as this can cause the gingerbread to soften and lose its structural integrity. If you notice any candies melting or becoming sticky, it’s best to replace them to keep your masterpiece looking fresh and festive.

Gingerbread House Contest Ideas

If you’re looking to spice up your gingerbread house-making experience, consider hosting a friendly competition! Invite friends and family over, set up a judging panel, and offer prizes for various categories such as 'Most Creative' or 'Best Use of Candy.' This adds an element of excitement and encourages participants to bring their A-game.

You can even establish a theme for the competition, such as winter wonderland or fairy tale cottages, to inspire creativity. Document the process with photos, and at the end of the day, celebrate everyone's hard work with a festive gathering to enjoy hot cocoa and gingerbread treats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gingerbread instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought gingerbread, but making it from scratch adds a personal touch!

→ How long will the gingerbread house last?

If stored properly, the gingerbread house can last for several weeks, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ What can I use if I don't have molasses?

You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor may vary slightly.

→ Is royal icing safe to eat?

Yes, royal icing made with pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder is safe to eat, but avoid using raw eggs.