Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes
Create a stunning Gingerbread House decorated with royal icing that will impress your family and friends during the holidays.
This delightful Gingerbread House is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The process of assembling and decorating your own gingerbread house is a fun activity for the whole family, especially during the festive season.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A fun and creative holiday activity for all ages
- Delicious gingerbread flavor complemented by sweet royal icing
- Perfect centerpiece for your festive table or as a gift
The Joy of Gingerbread Houses
Building a gingerbread house is a cherished holiday tradition that brings families together. This creative activity allows everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, to express their artistic side while enjoying the delicious aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, the process is enjoyable and rewarding, resulting in a beautiful edible masterpiece that can be proudly displayed during the festive season.
Each gingerbread house is unique, showcasing the personality and creativity of its creator. You can design it to reflect your family’s style—whether that’s whimsical, classic, or modern. The possibilities are endless, making it a fantastic way to bond over shared creativity and laughter. Plus, decorating with colorful candies and icing adds an extra layer of fun, turning the project into a delightful holiday celebration.
Creating Memorable Moments
Crafting a gingerbread house is more than just a baking project; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. Gather your loved ones around the kitchen table and share stories while you work together to assemble and decorate your masterpiece. This collaborative effort fosters teamwork and communication, making it a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds during the holiday season.
Additionally, your completed gingerbread house can serve as a conversation starter during holiday gatherings. Friends and family will admire your creativity and craftsmanship, sparking discussions and shared experiences. This festive centerpiece can even become a treasured keepsake, reminding you of the special moments spent together each year.
Tips for Success
To ensure your gingerbread house turns out perfectly, it's essential to follow the recipe closely and allow the dough to chill. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the shapes hold together during baking. When cutting the pieces, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to make clean edges, which will help with assembly later on.
When it comes to royal icing, achieving the right consistency is key. It should be thick enough to hold shapes but pliable enough to pipe easily. If it’s too runny, your decorations may sag; if it’s too stiff, it will be hard to spread. Practice piping techniques on a piece of parchment paper before decorating your house to get comfortable with your decorating style.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
For the Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Food coloring (optional)
For Decoration
- Candy canes
- Gummy candies
- Chocolate buttons
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut (for snow effect)
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
Bake the Gingerbread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out pieces for the house (sides, front, back, and roof) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make Royal Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Beat on low until combined, then increase speed to high until the icing holds stiff peaks. If desired, divide and add food coloring.
Assemble the House
Using royal icing, attach the sides and front of the house together. Hold in place until set, then add the back and roof. Allow to dry for at least an hour.
Decorate Your House
Once the house is assembled, use royal icing to decorate with candies, sprinkles, and coconut for a snowy effect. Get creative and have fun!
Enjoy your beautifully crafted gingerbread house, and don't forget to share it with friends and family!
Storage and Longevity
Once your gingerbread house is fully decorated, you may wonder how to store it. Ideally, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its appearance and flavor. While gingerbread houses are meant to be enjoyed, they can last for several weeks if stored properly, allowing you to admire your work throughout the holiday season.
If you have leftover royal icing, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Just remember to re-whip it before using, as it may separate or harden. This way, you can continue decorating or repairing your gingerbread house as needed, ensuring it stays beautiful for your holiday events.
Variations to Try
While the classic gingerbread house is a holiday staple, feel free to explore variations that suit your taste or dietary preferences. Consider using different spices like nutmeg or allspice in the gingerbread dough for a unique flavor profile. You could also incorporate gluten-free flour alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
For a twist on traditional decorations, try using dried fruits, nuts, or even edible glitter to give your gingerbread house a distinctive look. The addition of flavored candies, such as peppermint or chocolate, can also enhance the overall taste and visual appeal. Get creative and let your imagination guide you as you craft a one-of-a-kind gingerbread creation.
Inspiring Creativity
Encourage younger bakers to express themselves by allowing them to choose their decorations. Provide a variety of candies, sprinkles, and edible embellishments, and let their creativity shine. This can turn baking into an exciting, expressive experience that fosters confidence and pride in their work.
Consider hosting a gingerbread house decorating party with friends or family. Set up stations with different decoration supplies and encourage everyone to bring their own unique style to the event. This not only enhances creativity but also makes for a fun social gathering that everyone will remember fondly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
→ What can I use instead of egg whites in royal icing?
You can use meringue powder or a vegan egg replacement for a non-egg version.
→ How long will the gingerbread house last?
If stored in a cool, dry place, it can last for several weeks, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
→ Can I freeze the gingerbread house?
It is not recommended to freeze an assembled gingerbread house as it may lose its texture and integrity.
Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Create a stunning Gingerbread House decorated with royal icing that will impress your family and friends during the holidays.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 house
What You'll Need
For the Gingerbread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
For the Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Food coloring (optional)
For Decoration
- Candy canes
- Gummy candies
- Chocolate buttons
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut (for snow effect)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out pieces for the house (sides, front, back, and roof) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Beat on low until combined, then increase speed to high until the icing holds stiff peaks. If desired, divide and add food coloring.
Using royal icing, attach the sides and front of the house together. Hold in place until set, then add the back and roof. Allow to dry for at least an hour.
Once the house is assembled, use royal icing to decorate with candies, sprinkles, and coconut for a snowy effect. Get creative and have fun!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 63g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 5g