Gingerbread House with Royal Icing

Name: Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 1 house
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 egg; 3 egg whites; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Holiday-Inspired Cooking

Create your own festive gingerbread house adorned with delightful royal icing decorations. This fun and creative recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T20:25:49.374Z

This gingerbread house recipe is a holiday tradition that brings family and friends together. The sweet aroma of ginger and spices fills the air as you bake the gingerbread pieces, providing a perfect canvas for your creative decorations.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful combination of spices that fills your home with holiday cheer
Opportunities for creativity with endless decoration possibilities
A fun activity to share with family and friends during the festive season

      

Getting Started with Gingerbread

Creating a gingerbread house is a beloved tradition that many families enjoy during the holiday season. The process begins with making the gingerbread cookies, which are not only delicious but also sturdy enough to hold the structure of your house. Using a mix of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds warmth and a rich aroma that fills your kitchen with festive cheer.

Before diving into baking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients and tools. Ensure you have cookie cutters in the shapes you desire for your house, as well as a rolling pin and parchment paper. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Remember, this is a creative endeavor; don’t hesitate to personalize your house with unique shapes and designs!

Tips for a Successful Gingerbread House

One key to a successful gingerbread house is to let the dough chill adequately. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you find the dough too sticky, dust your work surface with flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor.

When assembling your gingerbread house, patience is crucial. Royal icing acts as both glue and decoration, so take your time to ensure each piece is securely attached. If possible, allow the house to dry for several hours or even overnight before you start decorating. This will help prevent any collapsing during the decoration phase.

Creative Decoration Ideas

The decorating phase is where your creativity truly shines! Use an array of candies, sprinkles, and edible glitter to give your gingerbread house a magical touch. Think about using chocolate bars for the roof, gumdrops for colorful accents, and shredded coconut for snow. The possibilities are endless, and each house can be uniquely yours, making this a fun activity for all ages.

Consider hosting a gingerbread decorating party where friends and family can each create their own designs. Set up a decorating station with various toppings and tools, and let everyone’s imagination run wild. This not only enhances the fun but also creates lasting memories and traditions that can be cherished for years.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your gingerbread house:

Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg

Royal Icing

3 egg whites
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Food coloring (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start building your gingerbread house!

Instructions

Follow these steps to construct your gingerbread house:

Prepare the Gingerbread Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Gingerbread Pieces

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out the pieces for the house and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Royal Icing

In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the icing is stiff enough to hold its shape. If desired, divide and color the icing with food coloring.

Assemble the Gingerbread House

Using the royal icing, attach the walls and roof pieces of the gingerbread house. Hold in place for a few minutes until the icing sets. Allow the house to dry fully before decorating.

Decorate the House

Use the remaining royal icing to decorate your gingerbread house with candies, sprinkles, and any other festive embellishments you desire. Get creative!

Once decorated, your gingerbread house is ready to be displayed or enjoyed!

Storing Your Gingerbread House

Once your gingerbread house is complete, you may wonder how to store it. If you're planning to display it, place it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent it from becoming too soft or stale. A cake dome can also protect it from dust while allowing it to be seen.

If you have leftover gingerbread pieces, they can be stored in an airtight container for later enjoyment. Just remember that the decorations may not hold up as well over time, so it's best to enjoy the decorated house within a few weeks of completion.

Gingerbread House Variations

While traditional gingerbread houses are a holiday classic, consider experimenting with different styles. You can create a gingerbread village, complete with various buildings like a bakery, church, or even a whimsical candy shop. Each structure can feature its own unique decorations, adding to the overall charm of your display.

Another fun twist is to incorporate alternative flavors into your gingerbread dough. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate gingerbread house or incorporating citrus zest for a refreshing twist. These variations can introduce new flavors and styles to your holiday traditions, making each year special.

Incorporating Gingerbread into Your Holiday Celebrations

Gingerbread houses can be more than just decorations; they can be a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Consider setting up a gingerbread house competition during family gatherings, where everyone showcases their creativity. This can spark friendly competition and laughter as everyone shares their unique creations.

Additionally, you can use gingerbread cookies for other festive treats. Use the same dough to make gingerbread people or festive shapes that can be decorated and shared with friends and family. Including gingerbread in various forms can enhance your holiday celebrations and spread joy to those around you.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I use if I don't want to use raw egg whites for the icing?

You can use powdered egg whites mixed with water as a substitute for fresh egg whites.

→ How long will the gingerbread house last?

If stored properly in a cool, dry place, a gingerbread house can last for several weeks.

→ Can I eat the gingerbread house?

Yes, the gingerbread house is edible, but the decorations may not be safe to eat if they contain inedible materials.