Our Elves at Lady Fortunes have been making Gingerbread Houses since 2008..... if you want to make your own from scratch, making a gingerbread house is a fun, festive project that involves baking gingerbread walls, assembling the structure, and decorating it with icing and candies. 

Gingerbread House building requires a lot of patience and dedication, but the end result is well worth the effort. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own gingerbread house:



Ingredients & Supplies

Gingerbread Dough

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1½ cups molasses
  • 2 eggs

Royal Icing (for “gluing” pieces and decorating)

  • 3 egg whites
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Decoration Options

  • Gumdrops, peppermints, candy canes, sprinkles, etc.

Supplies

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Gingerbread house template
  • Piping bags and tips
  • Serrated knife (for trimming if needed)

Instructions

1. Make the Gingerbread Dough

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves).
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  3. Add Molasses and Eggs: Add the molasses and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until it forms a thick dough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).



2. Roll Out and Cut the Gingerbread Pieces

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll each portion of dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Cut Out House Shapes: Use a gingerbread house template or a printed outline of walls, roof, and sides. Cut out each piece with a sharp knife and remove excess dough.
  4. Bake: Transfer the cut pieces on parchment paper to a baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are firm and slightly darkened.
  5. Cool Completely: Let the pieces cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.


3. Prepare the Royal Icing “Glue”

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar.
  2. Beat Until Thick: Beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes). This icing dries quickly, so cover it with a damp cloth when not in use.


4. Assemble the House

  1. Pipe Icing on Edges: Use a piping bag to apply a thick line of icing along the edge of each wall piece.
  2. Attach Walls: Start with one wall and press another wall against it to form a corner. Hold in place for a minute or two to set, then add the other walls.
  3. Attach Roof: Once walls are stable, pipe icing along the top edges and attach the roof pieces.
  4. Let the House Set: Allow the assembled house to dry for at least an hour before decorating to ensure stability.

5. Decorate the House

  1. Pipe Icing for “Snow”: Use icing to add “snow” along the roof edges and any other areas for a festive effect.
  2. Add Candy Decorations: Use royal icing as glue to attach candies, gumdrops, and any decorations. Be creative!
  3. Details: Draw window frames, door details, and other patterns with the icing.

6. Display Your Gingerbread House

Once decorated, let the house sit for a few hours or overnight to let the icing harden completely. Your gingerbread house is now ready for display!


Comments

Post a Comment