How To Make a Gingerbread House

Gingerbread houses are a festive and fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Making a gingerbread house from scratch may seem daunting, but with a little patience and creativity, it’s a fun and rewarding experience that the whole family can enjoy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own gingerbread house.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the icing:

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Tools:

• Gingerbread house templates (or create your own)
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Pastry bag with a small tip

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
4. Add molasses and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten into disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
7. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
8. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
9. Cut out the gingerbread house templates using cookie cutters or create your own using cardboard or paper.
10. Carefully transfer the cut-out pieces to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
11. Let the gingerbread pieces cool completely on the baking sheets.
12. To make the icing, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
13. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat on high speed until the icing is thick and glossy.
14. Spoon the icing into a pastry bag with a small tip.
15. To assemble the gingerbread house, pipe a thick line of icing along the bottom edge of one of the side walls and attach it to the base.
16. Hold the piece in place until the icing sets (about 2-3 minutes).
17. Repeat the process with the other side wall.
18. Pipe a thick line of icing along the top edges of the side walls and attach the roof pieces.
19. Hold the roof pieces in place until the icing sets (about 2-3 minutes).
20. Pipe icing along any seams or edges to create a smooth finish.
21. Let the gingerbread house sit for at least an hour to let the icing harden before decorating.

And there you have it – a fun and festive gingerbread house that you can make at home! Get creative with your decorations and enjoy the holiday season.