Desserts > Holiday & Seasonal Desserts > Christmas Desserts Recipes > Gingerbread House Recipe

Classic Gingerbread House Recipe

Build a festive gingerbread house with this classic recipe! A fun and delicious Christmas tradition.

Prep Time
1 hour
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Servings
1 Gingerbread House
Ingredients
  • 6 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup Packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup Molasses
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Meringue powder
  • 5-7 tablespoons Water
  • As needed Assorted candies, for decorating

Making the Gingerbread Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Cutting and Baking the Gingerbread Pieces

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use gingerbread house templates to cut out the pieces. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Royal Icing

In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar and meringue powder together until combined. Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a stiff peak consistency. Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Assembling the Gingerbread House

Place the base of the house on a serving plate or cardboard. Pipe a thick line of royal icing along the edges of the base and attach the side walls. Hold the walls in place until the icing sets slightly. Repeat with the front and back walls. Pipe icing along the top edges of the walls and attach the roof pieces. Hold the roof pieces in place until the icing sets. Let the gingerbread house dry completely before decorating.

Decorating the Gingerbread House

Use royal icing to attach assorted candies to the gingerbread house. Get creative with your decorations! You can use gumdrops, peppermints, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and more. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g of product)

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 45g

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This gingerbread house is high in sugar and carbohydrates, intended as a treat. Consider enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Decorations will alter the nutritional content.

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FAQ

  • How long will the gingerbread house last?

    If stored in a cool, dry place, a gingerbread house can last for several weeks.
  • Can I use pre-made gingerbread dough?

    Yes, you can use pre-made gingerbread dough to save time. Just make sure it's firm enough to hold its shape.
  • What if my royal icing is too thin?

    Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.