🎄 Gingerbread House Recipe 🎄

Building gingerbread houses is a fun and festive tradition that creates lasting memories! This recipe gives you the option to make either one large gingerbread house or two mini gingerbread houses — perfect for decorating with friends and family.

What to Expect for Texture

This gingerbread dough is designed to be firm and sturdy when baked, making it perfect for constructing gingerbread houses. The baked pieces will have a hard, crisp texture that holds its shape well and supports the structure. While not as soft and chewy as gingerbread cookies, this texture ensures durability for decorating and displaying your gingerbread creation!

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🏠 What You Can Make

1. One Large Gingerbread House
   Size: 4" wide x 4" deep x 6" tall (including 2" peaked roofline)

2. Two Mini Gingerbread Houses
   Size (Each): 5" wide x 4" deep x 5" tall (including 1" peaked roofline)

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🍪 Ingredients

Gingerbread Dough

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp ground ginger
• 3 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature

Royal Icing (Edible Glue)

• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tbsp meringue powder
• 7–8 tbsp warm water (adjust as needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Decorations

• Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, etc.)
• Mini marshmallows
• Shredded coconut or white sprinkles (for "snow")

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🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

3. Add Molasses & Eggs:
   Mix in the molasses and egg until combined.

4. Combine & Chill:
   Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms. Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour or overnight.

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Step 2: Roll, Cut, & Bake

1. Preheat Oven:
   350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Roll Dough:
   Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.

3. Cut Pieces:
   For One Large House or Two Mini Houses, cut pieces according to the dimensions listed above.

4. Bake:
   Bake for 10–15 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely for at least 1–2 hours.

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Step 3: Make the Royal Icing

1. Mix Ingredients:
   Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tbsp warm water until combined.

2. Beat to Stiff Peaks:
   Beat for 5–7 minutes until stiff and glossy. Add more water if needed (1 tsp at a time).

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Step 4: Assemble the House

1. Prepare the Base:
   Use a sturdy base like a cutting board or foil-covered cardboard.

2. Attach Walls:
   Pipe icing along the edges of each wall and press pieces together. Hold until the icing sets or use cans to support the walls.

3. Add the Roof:
   Once the walls are stable, attach the roof panels with icing. Let the structure set for 30 minutes.

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Step 5: Decorate

• Attach Candies: Use icing to stick gumdrops, candy canes, and other decorations.
• Add Details: Pipe icing for windows, doors, and icicles.
• Create Snow Effects: Sprinkle shredded coconut or white sprinkles for a snowy look.

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✂️ Cutting Guide for Baking Sheets

One Large Gingerbread House

Baking Sheet 1:

• Front Wall (1): 4" wide x 6" tall (includes a 2" peaked roofline)
• Back Wall (1): 4" wide x 6" tall (includes a 2" peaked roofline)
• Side Walls (2): 4" wide x 5" tall

Baking Sheet 2:

• Roof Panels (2): 6" wide x 4" tall
• Extra Shapes: Optional (trees, gingerbread people, etc.)

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Two Mini Gingerbread Houses

Baking Sheet 1:

• Front Walls (2): 5" wide x 5" tall (includes a 1" peaked roofline)
• Back Walls (2): 5" wide x 5" tall (includes a 1" peaked roofline)
• Side Walls (4): 4" wide x 4" tall

Baking Sheet 2:

• Roof Panels (4): 5" wide x 4" tall
• Extra Shapes: Optional (trees, gingerbread people, etc.)

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📏 Dimensions for Cutting

One Large Gingerbread House

Piece	Size	Quantity
Front Wall	4" wide x 6" tall (includes 2" peaked roofline)	1
Back Wall	4" wide x 6" tall (includes 2" peaked roofline)	1
Side Walls	4" wide x 5" tall	2
Roof Panels	6" wide x 4" tall	2

Two Mini Gingerbread Houses

Piece	Size	Quantity
Front Walls	5" wide x 5" tall (includes 1" peaked roofline)	2
Back Walls	5" wide x 5" tall (includes 1" peaked roofline)	2
Side Walls	4" wide x 4" tall	4
Roof Panels	5" wide x 4" tall	4

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❄️ Tips & Tricks

• Templates: Use paper templates to cut precise shapes, especially for the peaks of the front and back walls.
• Supports: Cans or small boxes help stabilize walls while the icing sets.
• Peaked Rooflines: For the front and back walls, ensure you measure the peak correctly:
  • Large House: 2 inches down from the center of the top edge.
  • Mini Houses: 1 inch down from the center of the top edge.
• Icing Consistency: Ensure the icing is thick enough to act as glue for holding the structure together.
• Get Creative: Let your imagination guide your decorations!