Festive Spiced Gingerbread House (Printable)

Crisp gingerbread panels joined with royal icing and decorated with colorful candies for holiday fun.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gingerbread Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 3/4 cup dark molasses
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Royal Icing

13 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder plus 6 tablespoons water)
15 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Decorations

16 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, etc.)
17 - Sprinkles and edible glitter (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out house panels using templates (walls, roof pieces, gable ends). Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
03 - Beat egg whites or meringue powder mixture until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice. Beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes. Transfer icing to a piping bag and cover with damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Pipe royal icing along edges of wall panels and join together, holding in place or using cans for support. After walls set, attach roof panels with icing. Allow structure to dry for at least 1 hour before decorating.
05 - Use royal icing to attach assorted candies and decorations. Let the decorations set before moving to ensure stability.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spiced dough bakes up sturdy enough to hold walls and sweet enough to sneak bites while you work.
  • Royal icing acts like edible glue and gives you a blank canvas for any wild decoration idea your family dreams up.
  • Its a project that turns a quiet kitchen into a gathering place full of laughter, sticky fingers, and zero judgment.
  • Leftover panels become cookies, so nothing goes to waste and youll have snacks for days.
02 -
  • If you skip the chilling step, the dough will spread in the oven and your walls wont fit together.
  • Royal icing dries out fast, so keep it covered with a damp cloth or it will turn into a rock in the bowl.
  • Let the structure dry completely before decorating or the weight of the candies will pull the walls down.
  • Meringue powder is safer than raw egg whites and gives you the same stiff icing without worry.
03 -
  • If your dough feels too soft to cut cleanly, pop it back in the fridge for ten minutes and it will firm right up.
  • For perfectly straight edges, use a ruler and a sharp knife or pizza cutter when cutting your templates.
  • Add a drop of gel food coloring to royal icing for custom colors that make your decorations pop.
  • If you want to hang the house as an ornament later, cut a small hole at the top of each panel before baking.

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