Pin this 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 made holiday preparations enjoyable and brought everyone together for a creative afternoon.
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.
Pin this Decorating the gingerbread house became a cherished family event filled with laughter and holiday spirit.
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
Calories: 430 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 89 g Protein: 5 g (per serving estimate based on 8 servings)
Pin this This kit is perfect for creating festive memories while enjoying a delicious holiday treat.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread panels?
The panels feature warming spices including ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a touch of salt to balance flavors.
- → How is the royal icing prepared in this kit?
Royal icing combines egg whites with powdered sugar and a hint of lemon juice, beaten until glossy and perfect for assembling and decorating.
- → Can the gingerbread panels be baked ahead of time?
Yes, the panels can be baked up to a week in advance and stored airtight to keep them fresh for assembly later.
- → Are there alternatives for egg whites in the icing for safety?
For younger participants, pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder can be used to ensure safety while maintaining texture.
- → What decorations come with the kit?
The kit includes assorted candies like gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows for snow effects.