# Ingredient List:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup molasses or dark treacle
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
→ Royal Icing
13 - 2 large egg whites
14 - 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
16 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
17 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, sprinkles)
18 - Shredded coconut or powdered sugar for snow effect
19 - Edible silver pearls (optional)
# Recipe Steps:
01 - Combine flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on parchment paper to 1/5 inch thickness. Cut out shapes for walls, roof, door, and chimney using templates. Transfer pieces to parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar while beating until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into portions and tint with food coloring if desired. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to use.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of gingerbread walls and assemble on a sturdy base. Hold panels for a few minutes until set. Let dry for 30 minutes before attaching the roof panels with icing and supporting until firm.
05 - Use royal icing to attach assorted candies and create decorative icicles. Sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar to simulate snow. Allow the finished house to dry completely before handling.
