Best 10 Gingerbread House Dough Icing Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Welcome to the fascinating realm of culinary artistry, where imagination and flavors converge in the creation of edible masterpieces. As the holiday season approaches, the scent of gingerbread fills the air, evoking cherished memories and inviting a touch of magic into our homes. Among these seasonal delights, the gingerbread house stands as a symbol of creativity and wonder, a canvas upon which we can paint edible masterpieces. But what truly brings these architectural delights to life is the icing, the sweet and sticky binder that holds the structure together and transforms it into a work of art. In this article, we embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind the perfect gingerbread house dough icing, exploring various techniques, flavor combinations, and decorating ideas to help you create stunning and delicious edible masterpieces that will amaze and delight your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ICING



Gingerbread House Icing image

Saved this recipe from a parent workshop with my oldest daughter. Very easy to whip up, and the kids LOVED to taste it along the way!! Used whatever leftover icing to "glue" gingerbread house ingredients with a clean popsticle stick to an empty 8oz. milk carton.

Provided by AngelaC

Categories     Dessert

Time 12m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 large egg whites
4 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

  • In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer at medium speed.
  • Add powdered sugar in small amounts, mixing well on high speed after each addition.
  • Beat on high speed 4-5 minutes or until mixture thickens.
  • Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
  • You may need to stir icing to soften before use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 568.2, Sodium 44.1, Carbohydrate 142.6, Sugar 139.6, Protein 2.7

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DOUGH & ICING



Gingerbread House Dough & Icing image

Dough designed for gingerbread houses to with stand cracks and sagging but still delicious. Tips: * If your dough is too tough to roll-out, microwave for 10-15 seconds. * Use aluminum foil to roll-out, transfer and bake your pieces. Cut a piece of foil the same size as your baking sheet. Wipe your working surface with a damp sponge and lay the foil on top. This will prevent the foil from slipping. Sprinkle the foil with flour, roll-out your dough, cut your pieces, lift the entire piece of foil onto your baking sheet and bake. Use a fresh piece of foil for each roll-out. * A pizza cutter provides a quick, straight line for large pieces like walls and roofs. * Cut all windows and doors before baking. * Prevent a lopsided house by holding the sides in place until dry. * Pint-size zip-lock freezer bags make excellent frosting bags. Snip off the corner of the bag, fill with frosting, zip-lock closed and decorate. * Variety of candy used to decorate is more important than quantity. * Rice Krispie Treats, tinted green, make fun uniquely shaped bushes and trees.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 1 House

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ginger
2 teaspoons ginger
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chopped into cubes
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
5 1/2 cups plus flour
3 egg whites (or use alternative in instructions)
1 pinch cream of tartar
1 lb powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Bring sugar, molasses, ginger and cinnamon to a boil in a large saucepan. Add baking soda (it will boil up). Place chopped butter in the bottom of a large mixing bowl and pour the molasses mixture on top. Mix to combine and stir in beaten egg. Gradually add flour. Knead until thoroughly combined, adding additional flour to obtain a stiff dough as needed. Divide in two. Form into rectangle-shaped mounds and cover with plastic wrap and chill.
  • Roll dough into 1/4 inch thick rectangles according to the size you need for the templates. Cut out shapes and transfer to lined or prepared or non-stick baking sheets. Bake in a moderate oven 325°F for approximately 20 minutes or until the dough turns a uniform dark golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from sheet pan.
  • Royal Icing: Place all ingredients in clean mixing bowl. Using whisk attachment combine ingredients on low speed. Increase speed to high and whip until mixture is stiff, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from mixer. (Hand held mixer will take few minute longer).
  • Remove 3/4 of the mixture to another bowl and cover bowl with a damp towel until you are ready to use icing, or icing will dry and a crust will form. Replace mixer on machine, and on low speed, add additional powdered sugar for "cement" used to hold walls up.
  • Note: If worried about raw egg whites, use meringue powder available at decorating supply and specialty food stores. Replace each egg white with 1 tablespoon meringue powder and 2 tablespoons warm water. Proceed with recipe.
  • Icing tip: Caramelize about 1/2-1 cup of sugar use as "superglue" to construct the house. Dries fast and hard. Use the royal icing to cover up the seams and to stick on the candy.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE



Gingerbread House image

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make a gingerbread house from scratch. Equipped with gumdrops, licorice, peppermint and, of course, royal icing, this recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield One recipe of dough makes one

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light molasses or dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
Melted white chocolate or Royal Icing, recipe follows
Gumdrops, licorice and peppermint, as desired
1 pound (3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
1 to 2 large egg whites, or substitute 4 teaspoons packaged egg whites and 1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla or lemon juice

Steps:

  • Gingerbread House: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough. Chill at least 30 minutes or until firm.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Cut out the following paper patterns for the gingerbread house template: Two rectangles, 3 by 5 inches, to make the front and back of the house. Two rectangles, 3 by 5 1/2 inches for the roof. Two pieces for the ends of the house, 3 inches wide at the base, 3 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 5 1/2 inches from the bottom. Four smaller rectangles, 1 1/2 by 1 inch for the roof and sides of the entryway. And one piece, 2 inches wide at the base, 1 1/2 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 2 1/2 inches from the bottom for the front of the entryway.
  • Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large, rimless cookie sheet. Place paper patterns onto the rolled out dough. With a sharp, straight edged knife, cut around each of the pieces, but leave pieces in place.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes until dough feels firm.
  • Place patterns on top of the gingerbread again and trim shapes, cutting edges with a straight-edged sharp knife. Leave to cool on baking sheet.
  • Place royal icing into pastry bag with a writing tip and press out to decorate individual parts of house, piping on decorations, windows, door, etc., as desired. Let dry until hardened.
  • Glue sides, front and back of house together at corners using royal icing. Place an object against the pieces to prop up until icing is dry (it only takes a few minutes).
  • Glue the two roof pieces to the pitched roofline of the house. Then, similarly, glue the sides and roof of the entryway together with icing. Attach the entryway to the front of the house.
  • Continue decorating the house, gluing on gumdrops, licorice and peppermint, as desired.
  • Mix all of the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer, until the icing is smooth and thin enough to be pressed through a pastry bag with a writing tip. Add more lemon juice, if necessary.

CHILDREN'S GINGERBREAD HOUSE



Children's Gingerbread House image

This is one my mum in England used to make when we were kids. It was always the biggest hit every year. Use your imagination and a variety of candies to make doors, windows, pathways, and a garden. Note, this gingerbread house takes 2 to 3 days to complete. You can buy a variety of candies for decoration.

Provided by Ruth

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 12

¾ cup butter
⅞ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup molasses
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
6 egg whites
4 (16 ounce) packages confectioners' sugar, sifted

Steps:

  • First cut out in thin cardboard: a side wall, 4 1/2 x 8 inches; an end wall, 4 1/2x5 inches; a triangular gable, 4 1/2x3x3 inches; and a roof rectangle, 4 1/2x9 inches. Tape the rectangular end wall piece to the triangular gable piece: match the long side of the triangle, 4 1/2 inches, to one of the 4 1/2 inch sides of the end wall.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and molasses. Gradually beat in 2 eggs. Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices together; stir into creamed mixture. Wrap dough in parchment paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 portions, 2 slightly larger than the others. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 4 smaller pieces to approximately the size of the side wall and the end wall with gable templates; cut out two of each. Roll out remaining dough, and cut into two rectangular roof pieces. Transfer gingerbread onto greased baking trays.
  • In a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven, bake gingerbread for 10 minutes, or until crisp. When removing from the oven, leave the gingerbread on the baking trays for a few minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks. Leave out overnight to harden.
  • In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 egg whites. Gradually beat in approximately 5 cups confectioners' sugar. The icing should be smooth and stand in firm peaks. Spread or pipe a 9 inch line of icing onto a cake board, and press in one of the side walls so that it sticks firmly and stands upright. If necessary, spread or pipe a little extra icing along either side to help support it. Take an end wall and ice both the side edges. Spread or pipe a line of icing on the board at a right angle to the first wall, and press the end wall into position. Repeat this process with the other two walls until they are all in position. Leave the walls to harden together for at least two hours before putting on the roof. Spread or pipe a thick layer of icing on top of all the walls, and fix the roof pieces in position; the roof should overlap the walls to make the eaves. Pipe or spread a little icing along the crest of the roof to hold the two pieces firmly together. Leave overnight to set firmly.
  • When ready to decorate, make the remaining icing. In a large bowl, lightly whisk 4 egg whites, and mix in remaining confectioners' sugar as before. Use this to make snow on the roof, and to stick various candies for decoration. Finish with a fine dusting of sifted confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 736.2 calories, Carbohydrate 159.7 g, Cholesterol 49.2 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 171.6 mg, Sugar 135.8 g

GINGERBREAD FOR HOUSES



Gingerbread For Houses image

After much experimentation, we've discovered that this recipe for intensely-scented and sturdy gingerbread makes the finest building blocks your gingerbread house could hope for.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes 3 pounds of dough

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 1/2 cups flour, plus more as needed
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses

Steps:

  • Into a large bowl, sift together flour, spices, baking soda, salt, and pepper; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt shortening over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes. Whisk in sugar and molasses until well combined. Remove from heat, and stir in the flour mixture until just combined but still crumbly. If dough is still sticky, add a bit more flour.
  • Turn out dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap, and wrap to enclose completely; let cool slightly, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into two equal parts, and place on prepared baking sheets. While dough is still slightly warm, roll out gently but firmly to a 3/8-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes, and remove excess dough from around cutters or templates.
  • Bake 30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DOUGH



Gingerbread House Dough image

This is a classic gingerbread house dough that's designed for construction. Made with vegetable shortening (which has a higher melting point than traditional butter) and no leavening, the dough holds its shape well once baked. It's strong and sturdy enough to make a basic gingerbread house, an advanced mansion or even additional elements for your house.

Provided by Dan Langan

Categories     dessert

Time 1h55m

Yield One 8-by-8-inch gingerbread house

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup vegetable shortening (185 grams)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large egg, at room temperature
Nonstick cooking spray, optional (see Cook's Note)
1 1/4 cups unsulphured molasses (435 grams)
1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar
6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (750 grams), plus more for the surface
Hard candies, optional, for the advanced gingerbread house mansion

Steps:

  • Mix the shortening, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until a smooth paste forms, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg, molasses and vinegar and mix on low until combined. Scrape down the bowl and mix, about 30 seconds more. Add about half of the flour and mix on low until combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until smooth. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead until smooth, sprinkling the work surface and dough lightly with flour if sticky. Divide the dough in half.
  • Working with one half at a time, roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper until it is 1/4 inch thick, sprinkling it with flour if it starts to get sticky. (Don't go too thin! I place 1/4-inch dowels on either side of my dough to ensure that it is evenly rolled out.) Repeat with the second portion of dough. Chill the rolled dough on baking sheets until the dough feels chilled and is slightly firm, about 1 hour in the fridge or 30 minutes in the freezer. (Alternately you can wrap both pieces of dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or overnight before rolling.)
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the basic gingerbread house template, cut out the following patterns: One rectangle panel measuring 7 x 5.5 inches for the sides of the house (you will use this twice). One rectangle panel measuring 8.5 x 6 inches for the front and back roof panels side (you will use this twice). And, one piece measuring 6 inches wide at the base, 6 inches to the roof line and slanted to a peak 9 inches from the bottom for the ends of the house (you will use this twice).
  • For the advanced gingerbread house mansion, make 2 more batches of dough. For the advanced gingerbread house mansion template, cut out the following patterns: One rectangle panel measuring 10 x 8.75 inches for the front and back of the house (you will use this twice). One rectangle panel measuring 11 x 6.5 inches for the front and back roof panels (you will use this twice). And, one piece measuring 9 inches wide at the base, 9 inches to the roof line and slanted to a peak 12 inches from the bottom for the ends and center support of the house (you will use this three times).
  • Plus, one piece measuring 2 inches wide, 2 inches to the low slant line and 3.25 inches to the high slant line for the sides of the chimney (you will use this twice). One small rectangle panel measuring 2 x 3.25 inches for the front chimney panel. And, one small square panel measuring 2 x 2 inches for the back chimney panel.
  • Plus, one piece measuring 4 inches wide at the base, 5 inches to the lowest roof line and 7 inches to the highest roof line for the extra room (you will use this twice). One square panel measuring 4.5 x 4.5 inches for the extra room wall. And, one rectangle panel measuring 5.5 x 5 inches for the extra room roof.
  • Plus, one triangle measuring 4 inches at the base and 1.5 inches high at the center peak for the front porch. One small rectangle panel measuring 1.5 x 3 inches for the front porch roof panels (you will use this twice). One small rectangle panel measuring 2 x 0.5 inches for the flower box panels (you will use this eight times). And, one rectangle panel measuring 2 x 3.25 inches for the front door.
  • Use the gingerbread templates and a sharp chef's knife or craft knife to cut out the pieces, rerolling the scraps as needed. Leave about 1/2 inch between each piece. I like to cut the pieces directly on the parchment and then peel away the scraps to avoid moving the cut pieces.
  • For the basic gingerbread house: From one of the pieces with the peaked roof (this will be the front of the house), use a square or rectangular cutter to make a door and a round cutter to make a center window above, cutting straight down and leaving the perforated pieces in while the dough bakes.
  • For the advanced gingerbread house mansion: From the side panels of the house, use a round cutter to make a center window, and from the front and back of the house, use a square or rectangular cutter to make windows, cutting straight down and leaving the perforated pieces in while the dough bakes.
  • To make the trees, use tree-shaped cookie cutters or a tree template to cut out trees in pairs. Use a sharp paring knife or a craft knife to cut one tree in each pair in half. Use a round cutter to cut out one circle per pair to use as the base of the tree.
  • Bake until the centers are firm to the touch, rotating the pans back to front and top to bottom during the last 10 minutes of baking, 25 to 28 minutes total (20 to 25 minutes for the smaller pieces). For the extra-large pieces for the advanced gingerbread house mansion, lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees F and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Don't be afraid to bake the gingerbread a few minutes longer if you are unsure--we need these pieces to be strong!
  • While the dough is still warm, use the cutters or a paring knife to remove the doors and windows to achieve a clean cut. Transfer the parchment with the gingerbread house pieces to a flat surface and allow to cool completely before removing from the parchment. For larger or more detailed houses it is helpful to allow the baked gingerbread to rest uncovered overnight.
  • For the advanced gingerbread house mansion: To make the windows, separate the hard candies by color and use a rolling pin to gently crush them in a resealable plastic bag. Transfer the candies to separate silicone baking cups or microwave-safe bowls and microwave on high in 20-second increments, stirring with a skewer in between, until melted, 30 to 60 seconds. Place a clean piece of parchment under each window, then pour the melted candy into the window holes and let cool, 1 to 2 minutes. Use a cutter of your choice to gently press a design into the windows and let cool completely, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Assemble the gingerbread house or mansion and decorative elements as directed and allow the icing to dry completely overnight before decorating.

EASY GINGERBREAD HOUSE



Easy Gingerbread House image

This easy recipe will give you one sturdy and aromatic gingerbread house with dough left over for cookies. Once you try this it will become a happy holiday tradition.

Provided by KathyMayhewHall

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mace
12 cups all-purpose flour
1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 drop white vinegar

Steps:

  • Cover a piece of heavy cardboard with aluminum foil or freezer paper, dull-side up, to make a base for the gingerbread house.
  • Cut templates for the gingerbread house out of heavy cardboard or cardstock; label each piece.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 3 rimless baking sheets (or the back of rimmed baking sheets).
  • Combine butter, brown sugar, molasses, and dark corn syrup in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until melted, about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and mace until blended, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir into the butter mixture 2 cups at a time, mixing the last 2 cups by hand to create a warm, firm mass of dough. Place a large handful of dough on a greased baking sheet; roll out to 1/8-inch thickness. Keep remaining dough covered.
  • Dust cardboard templates lightly with flour and place on top of dough; cut around templates with a sharp knife. Cut out doors or windows as desired. Cut shutters, door knobs, or other features from the scraps. Return remaining scraps to the covered pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until firm and slightly browned at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes for small pieces and 12 to 15 minutes for large pieces. Remove from the oven and place templates over the baked pieces; trim excess with a sharp knife to produce clean edges.
  • Cool pieces on the baking sheet until firm, 5 to 10 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Combine confectioners' sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and white vinegar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until icing is stiff and shiny, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Stick candies and decorations over gingerbread pieces using royal icing. Let icing dry until hardened, about 5 minutes. Assemble gingerbread house pieces using icing. Let stand until icing is dry, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1132.1 calories, Carbohydrate 199.5 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 32.2 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 19.8 g, Sodium 488.2 mg, Sugar 83.1 g

GINGERBREAD HOUSE FROSTING



Gingerbread House Frosting image

Share this kitchen-tested recipe from the Betty Crocker Kitchens with someone you love.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shortening
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
Red, green and yellow food color, as desired

Steps:

  • Beat all ingredients except food colors until smooth enough to spread, beating in additional milk if needed. Leave most of frosting white; remove and tint small amounts of frosting with food colors for decorating front of house.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize About 2 1/2 Tablespoons

GINGERBREAD HOUSES RECIPE BY TASTY



Gingerbread Houses Recipe by Tasty image

Ready to make your own Gingerbread Houses? Check out our guide and template for this recipe.

Provided by Vaughn Vreeland

Categories     Desserts

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

5 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup molasses
4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
water, as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • Grease the bottom and sides of a heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) with nonstick spray. This will ensure the dough doesn't stick to the pot as you turn it out.
  • Melt the shortening in the greased pot over medium heat. Add the molasses and sugar, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.
  • Gradually stir in 4 cups (500 grams) of the flour mixture, 1 cup (125 grams) at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each addition before adding more. You'll have some of the flour mixture left over.
  • Dust a work surface with some of the remaining flour mixture. Carefully turn the dough out onto the floured surface and work in the flour mixture. (You don't want the dough to be too crumbly. You may have some flour mixture left over, which can be used for rolling out the dough.)
  • Once the flour is incorporated, shape the dough into a 12-inch (30.5 cm) log and cut into 3 portions, 1 piece slightly larger than the others for the roof.
  • Set aside the smaller pieces of dough in the pot (it still should be warm, but not hot), cover with plastic wrap, and put the lid on. You'll want to work with the dough while it's warm as it tends to harden at room temperature. If it hardens, simply microwave for about 30 seconds.
  • On the floured surface, roll out the larger piece of dough to a rectangle about ½-inch (1 ¼ cm) thick. Using a house template, cut the 2 pieces of the roof and set on a prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart as the dough will expand while baking.
  • Roll out the rest of the dough and cut out the front, back, and sides of the house using the templates. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Wrap the leftover dough in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 1 day. Microwave to soften and roll out to make decorations for the house or another gingerbread creation.
  • Bake the gingerbread house pieces for 12-15 minutes, until they have hardened and baked through. Let cool completely.
  • Make the royal icing: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric hand mixer until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup (120 grams) at a time, until the icing is smooth and thick. NOTE: The icing is used for gluing the house together. It's very thick. To use the icing for decorating, add about 1 teaspoon of water at a time to thin the icing to your desired consistency.
  • Assemble the gingerbread house with the royal icing. TIP: Put the roof pieces side by side with the underside up (and the eventual exposed part of the roof down). "Glue" a cut piece of a paper shopping bag across these two pieces with royal icing. Place two small glass bowls on either side of this upside-down roof to prop the pieces up into a "V" shape. Let dry completely. When assembling, this will help ensure that your roof doesn't slip down the sides of the house.
  • Decorate the house with more royal icing and your desired decorations.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 834 calories, Carbohydrate 142 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 96 grams

ELLEN'S EDIBLE GINGERBREAD HOUSE



Ellen's Edible Gingerbread House image

We adapted this pretty gingerbread house from Ellen Wages in Vancleave, Mississippi...and came up with this petite version. Unlike Ellen's larger classroom house, it doesn't need to be constructed around a cardboard shell. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 3h15m

Yield 1 house.

Number Of Ingredients 19

DOUGH:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup dark molasses
1 egg
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
ICING:
3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
5 to 6 tablespoons warm water
Pastry bag
Round pastry tip # 12
Green paste food coloring
Spice jars
CANDIES: Starlight mints, caramels, red-hot candies, colored sprinkles, red shoestring licorice, Tootsie rolls, Sixlets, sticks striped-fruit gum, Fruit Roll-Ups
OTHER DECORATIONS: Ice cream sugar cones, cutout butter cookie, pretzel stick, miniature pretzels

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, egg, ginger, cloves and salt. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough forms a ball. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth but not sticky, adding flour if needed. Cover and chill for several hours or overnight., Meanwhile, cut out patterns. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil. Lay a damp towel on the counter; place prepared pan on towel (to prevent slipping). Using a heavily-floured rolling pin, roll out half of dough onto the baking sheet into an 1/8-in. thick rectangle. Position patterns at least 1/2 in. apart on dough. Cut out two of each pattern with a sharp knife or pizza cutter; remove pattern. Remove dough scraps; cover and save to re-roll if needed. , Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Do not overbake. Remove from oven; immediately place patterns on dough. Cut around the edges,trimming off excess cookie if necessary. Cool for 10 minutes or until pieces begin to set. Carefully remove to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough and patterns. Dough scraps may be cut into gingerbread people and used to decorate house. , In a bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and 4 tablespoons water on low until blended. Beat on high for 8-10 minutes or until stiff peaks form, adding additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Place a damp paper towel over icing bowl and cover tightly until ready to use. , To assemble the house frame: Test your cookie pieces to make sure they fit together snugly. If necessary, carefully trim with a serrated knife. Insert the round pastry tip into the pastry bag; add icing. Pipe a 3/8-in. wide strip of icing onto the bottom edge of the front piece. Position on a covered board at least 3-in. from the front edge of the base. Prop with spice jars for 2-3 minutes or until icing is completely set; remove jars., To add the sides and the back: Pipe icing on the lower edge of one side piece and along one side edge of the front piece. Align pieces at a right angle, making sure they are as tight as possible. Repeat with the other side. Pipe icing on the bottom and side edges of the back piece; position with the other assembled pieces. For added stability, pipe icing along the inside edges of all pieces and corners., To assemble the roof: Working with one side at a time, pipe icing along the top edges of the front, back and side pieces. Carefully place one roof piece so the roof's peak is even with the points of the front and back (there will be a small overhang front and back.) Repeat. Let dry completely., To decorate: With icing, attach mints to roof. For chimney, stack caramels along one side of house, using icing as mortar; top with an icing "smoke plume". , For trees and wreath, add green food coloring to a portion of icing. Frost sugar cones and butter cookie; decorate with red-hots and sprinkles. Referring to photo and using candies and other decorations, add the trees, wreath, doorway, windows, shutters, walkway, logs, mailbox and fence.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your gingerbread house dough and icing.
  • Make sure your gingerbread dough is chilled before you start baking. This will help it keep its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake your gingerbread house dough at a low temperature. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from burning.
  • Let your gingerbread house dough cool completely before you start decorating it. This will help the icing set properly.
  • When making your icing, start with a small amount of water and add more as needed. This will help you get the right consistency.
  • Use a variety of decorating tips to create different designs on your gingerbread house. This will make it more festive and fun.
  • Be patient and have fun! Building and decorating a gingerbread house is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

Conclusion:

With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house that will be the centerpiece of your holiday decorations. Just remember to use fresh ingredients, chill your dough, bake it at a low temperature, and let it cool completely before you start decorating. With a little practice, you'll be able to create a gingerbread house that is both beautiful and delicious.

Related Topics