Building a gingerbread house is more than just a festive activity; it’s a perfect way to create family memories that will last a lifetime. The gingerbread’s aromatic spices, the artistic challenge, and the joy of decorating make it a loved holiday tradition. Whether you’re a first-time gingerbread architect or a seasoned pro, this guide is designed to support you every step of the way.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Dough

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups unsulfured molasses
• 2 large eggs

Royal Icing

• 3 1/2 cups powdered icing sugar, sifted
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until incorporated.
3. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll the Dough: Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use gingerbread house templates to cut out your shapes.

Step 3: Gingerbread House Template

1. Cut Out Your Templates: Take your three house templates and place them gently on the dough.

2. Trace Around the Templates: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut around each template. Be precise to ensure the pieces fit together perfectly.  

3. Repeat the Process: Since you’ll need six pieces to assemble your gingerbread house, you’ll need to cut around the templates one more time. This will give you a total of:

• 2 front/back wall pieces  
• 2 side wall pieces  
• 2 roof pieces  

4. Transfer to Baking Tray:Carefully transfer the cut pieces onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for expansion while baking.  

5. Bake: Place cutouts on lined baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and slightly darkened. Cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Royal Icing

1. Mix Ingredients: Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl until frothy.
2. Add Sugar Gradually: With the mixer on low, slowly add the powdered sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat until the icing holds stiff peaks.
3. Tint and Thin as Needed: Add vanilla extract for flavor. This is your “glue” for the house structure.

Step 5: Assemble the Gingerbread House

1. Build the Structure: Use royal icing as glue. Start with walls, allowing the icing to set before adding the roof.
2. Decorate: Once the house is stable, get creative with candy decorations! Use remaining icing to attach candy, sprinkles, and edible glitter.

Step 6: Enjoy!

After all of your hard work, take a moment to admire your edible masterpiece before it’s devoured. Consider capturing some photos to treasure the memory.

A gingerbread house is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of creativity, family, and the sweet essence of the holiday season. We hope our detailed guide assists you in creating a delicious centerpiece and cherished memories (with help if you need it) 🎄

Happy building from Mum Life 246! If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have you looked at our festive treats? Take a look at our page here 🎄🍰

I’ll be soon trying out BBC Good Food Gingerbread Bunting to add to our Christmas party treats. Check it out here: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gingerbread-bunting