Save A festive and fun kit featuring homemade gingerbread panels, royal icing, and a variety of candies for constructing and decorating a classic gingerbread house.
This kit brings back wonderful holiday memories of building and decorating gingerbread houses with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Panels: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (225 g) molasses, 1 large egg, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt
- Royal Icing: 2 large egg whites (or 4 tbsp pasteurized egg whites), 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Decorations: 1 cup assorted candies (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.), 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional for snow effect), 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg& mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Step 5:
- Using printable or cardboard templates, cut dough into panels for house: 2 walls (4x6), 2 roof pieces (5x7), 2 side walls (4x5).
- Step 6:
- Transfer panels to prepared baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For royal icing: In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
- Step 8:
- Assemble the house: Pipe icing along the edges of panels and join to form the house structure. Hold pieces together for a few minutes until icing sets& allow to dry for 30 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Decorate: Use remaining icing to pipe details and attach candies, coconut, and marshmallows as desired. Let the house dry until icing is firm before displaying or serving.
Save Decorating the gingerbread house is a joyful family moment where everyone can get creative and share laughs.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheets, sharp knife or cookie cutters, piping bag and tips, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Some candies may contain nuts, soy, or gluten& always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, estimate based on 8 servings: Calories 430, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 89 g, Protein 5 g
Save This gingerbread house decorating kit will bring warmth and festive cheer to your holiday gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread panels?
The panels incorporate ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → How do I make the royal icing stiff enough to hold the structure?
Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until thick and glossy for strong adhesion.
- → Can I prepare the gingerbread panels in advance?
Yes, baked panels can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week before assembly and decoration.
- → What candies work best for decorating?
A variety of candies like gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, and candy canes offer colorful and textured decoration options.
- → Are there alternatives to fresh egg whites for the icing?
For younger children, pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder can be used safely in the royal icing.