What To Know
- It’s a fun and festive activity for the whole family, and the end result is a delicious and decorative centerpiece for your holiday table.
- This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from baking the gingerbread to decorating the finished product.
- You can find pre-made gingerbread dough at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using a recipe like this.
The holidays are upon us, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves, and gingerbread. What better way to celebrate the season than by building your very own gingerbread house? It’s a fun and festive activity for the whole family, and the end result is a delicious and decorative centerpiece for your holiday table.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from baking the gingerbread to decorating the finished product. We’ll cover everything you need to know to create a gingerbread masterpiece, regardless of your baking experience.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Gingerbread dough: You can find pre-made gingerbread dough at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using a recipe like this:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing: This is the glue that holds your gingerbread house together and provides a base for decorations. You can find pre-made royal icing, or you can make your own using this recipe:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup meringue powder
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorations: Get creative! You can use anything from candy canes and gumdrops to sprinkles and chocolate chips. You can also use edible glitter, sanding sugar, and even edible paint.
Tools:
- Baking sheets: You’ll need at least two baking sheets for baking the gingerbread pieces.
- Rolling pin: This will be used to roll out the gingerbread dough.
- Cookie cutters: You’ll need cookie cutters in the shapes of your gingerbread house walls, roof, and any other decorations you want to include.
- Parchment paper: This will prevent the gingerbread from sticking to the baking sheets.
- Piping bag: This will be used to apply the royal icing.
- Piping tips: You’ll need a variety of piping tips for different decorating effects.
- Serrated knife: This will be used to trim the gingerbread pieces and cut out windows and doors.
- Toothpick: This will be used to smooth out the royal icing and to apply small decorations.
- Small bowl: This will be used for mixing the royal icing.
- Paintbrush: This will be used for applying edible paint.
Baking the Gingerbread
1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Roll out the gingerbread dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut out the shapes: Use your cookie cutters to cut out the shapes for your gingerbread house. You’ll need two identical pieces for each wall and two identical pieces for the roof.
4. Bake the pieces: Bake the gingerbread pieces for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling your house.
Assembling the Gingerbread House
1. Prepare the royal icing: Mix the royal icing according to the recipe instructions. You want a consistency that’s thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pipe easily.
2. Assemble the walls: Pipe a thick line of royal icing along the edges of one wall piece. Then, carefully press the second wall piece onto the icing, making sure the edges are perfectly aligned. Repeat this process to assemble the other walls.
3. Attach the roof: Pipe a thick line of royal icing along the top edge of the walls. Then, carefully place the roof pieces on top of the icing, making sure they are centered and aligned.
4. Let the icing set: Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before decorating the house.
Decorating the Gingerbread House
1. Pipe the details: Use your piping bag and various tips to create decorative details on your gingerbread house. You can pipe lines, dots, swirls, and even create intricate designs.
2. Add the decorations: Once the icing has set, you can start adding your decorations. Use candy canes, gumdrops, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and any other edible treats you like.
3. Let it dry: Allow the icing and decorations to dry completely before serving or displaying your gingerbread house.
Tips for Success
- Use a template: If you’re a beginner, using a gingerbread house template can help you create a more symmetrical and balanced structure. You can find free templates online or at craft stores.
- Don’t overbake the gingerbread: Overbaked gingerbread will be dry and brittle, making it difficult to assemble.
- Use a sturdy base: A sturdy base will help to prevent your gingerbread house from collapsing. You can use a piece of cardboard or a cake board.
- Be patient: Building a gingerbread house takes time, so don’t rush the process. Let the icing set properly between each step to ensure a strong and stable structure.
Let Your Creativity Run Wild: Beyond the Basics
While the traditional gingerbread house is a classic, you can easily put your own spin on it. Explore these ideas to make your gingerbread house uniquely yours:
- Theme it up: Choose a theme, like a winter wonderland, a cozy cabin, or a whimsical fairy tale. Use your chosen theme to guide your decorations and overall design.
- Incorporate edible elements: Get creative with edible decorations! Use pretzel sticks for fences, candy corn for cobblestones, or even create edible flowers from marzipan.
- Add some flair: Consider adding details like edible glitter, sanding sugar, or even edible paint to give your gingerbread house an extra touch of sparkle.
A Sweet Ending: Your Gingerbread House is Ready
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own gingerbread house. Now, stand back and admire your creation. It’s a delicious and festive centerpiece for your holiday table, and a reminder of the joy and creativity that comes with celebrating the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my gingerbread house crumbles while I’m assembling it?
A: Don’t worry, it happens! If your gingerbread pieces are breaking, it might be because they’re too dry. You can try adding a little bit of water to the dough or using a slightly thicker royal icing to help hold the pieces together.
Q: How long will my gingerbread house last?
A: A gingerbread house can last for several weeks if stored in a cool, dry place. However, it’s best to eat it within a few days to enjoy its fresh flavor and texture.
Q: Can I use different types of icing for my gingerbread house?
A: While royal icing is the traditional choice, you can use other types of icing, such as buttercream or fondant. Just be sure to choose an icing that will hold its shape and set properly.
Q: What are some fun ideas for decorating my gingerbread house with kids?
A: Let the kids go wild with candy! They can use gumdrops for windows, candy canes for fences, and sprinkles for snow. You can also use cookie cutters to create edible shapes from fondant or marzipan.
