Classic Spiced Gingerbread House (Printable)
Festive spiced gingerbread structure with sturdy dough and aromatic spices for holiday displays.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup molasses
11 - 1 large egg
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 large egg whites
13 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
16 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate pieces, etc.)
17 - Sprinkles
18 - Shredded coconut (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - Using an electric mixer, cream unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate molasses and egg, mixing until smooth.
04 - Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a firm dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates, cut out two walls, two roof panels, and two end walls featuring doors and windows. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until edges are firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on wire racks.
07 - In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Tint portions with food coloring as desired.
08 - Pipe royal icing along edges of walls and press pieces together, holding until set. Repeat for roof panels. Allow structure to dry for at least one hour before decorating.
09 - Attach candies, sprinkles, and shredded coconut using royal icing as adhesive to create festive designs.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The dough is forgiving enough that your walls won't shatter, but sturdy enough to actually hold together without collapsing.
- Your house becomes edible decoration—kids and adults alike sneak candies off it for weeks.
- The spice blend fills your entire home with that unmistakable, cozy holiday warmth that no candle quite captures.
02 -
- Royal icing sets fast once it's been piped—if you want to reposition a candy, do it within 10 seconds or you'll be there with a hairdryer trying to soften it.
- The house is sturdier than it looks, but treat it gently for the first 24 hours; move it slowly and avoid sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
03 -
- Prepare all your house pieces a full day before assembly—this gives you time to inspect for cracks and adjust your plan if needed.
- If your icing gets too soft while piping, refrigerate the piping bag for 5 minutes; cold icing holds lines much more cleanly.