# What You’ll Need:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup molasses or dark treacle
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
→ Royal Icing
13 - 2 large egg whites
14 - 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
16 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
17 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, sprinkles)
18 - Shredded coconut or powdered sugar (for snow effect)
19 - Edible silver pearls (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Divide dough into two disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll dough between parchment sheets to a thickness of 1/5 inch (5 mm). Cut out house shapes using templates for walls, roof, door, and chimney. Transfer to lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden. Let panels cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Optionally divide and tint the icing with food coloring. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along the edges of the walls and assemble on a sturdy baseboard. Hold panels in place briefly until set, then allow to dry for 30 minutes before attaching roof panels with icing. Support until all parts are firmly connected.
05 - Use royal icing to affix assorted candies and create decorative icicles. Sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar for a snow effect. Allow decoration to dry completely before handling or displaying.
