Christmas Gingerbread House

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Gather all ingredients.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'To make the gingerbread: Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Stir in molasses and egg yolks.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Combine flour, cloves, ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl; mix into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Shape dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Cut 4 wall panels and 2 rectangular roof panels out of paper to use as templates for the gingerbread house.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Turn chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 portions, 2 slightly larger than the others.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Roll out the 4 smaller portions of dough 1/4-inch thick; use the templates to cut out 4 walls.'}

8. 8

   {'id': 'step_7', 'step': 8, 'text': 'Cut windows and a front door into the walls as desired.'}

9. 9

   {'id': 'step_8', 'step': 9, 'text': 'Roll out remaining dough portions; use the templates to cut out 2 roof panels. Roll out any remaining dough and cut into decorative shapes with Christmas-themed cookie cutters. Transfer all the dough to the prepared baking sheets.'}

10. 10

    {'id': 'step_9', 'step': 10, 'text': 'Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks. Let stand at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight.'}

11. 11

    {'id': 'step_10', 'step': 11, 'text': 'To make the icing: Lightly whisk 2 egg whites in a large bowl. Gradually beat in 3 ¾ cups of confectioners' sugar, adding more if necessary, until a smooth icing forms with firm peaks.'}

12. 12

    {'id': 'step_11', 'step': 12, 'text': 'Spread or pipe a line of icing the length of one of the side walls of the house onto a wooden cutting board. Press one of the side walls into icing so that it sticks firmly and stands upright, using cans or jars to help support the wall.'}

13. 13

    {'id': 'step_12', 'step': 13, 'text': 'Take an end wall and ice both of 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.'}

14. 14

    {'id': 'step_13', 'step': 14, 'text': 'Leave the walls to harden together for at least 2 hours. Keep remaining icing in the bowl, cover with a wet towel, lay a plate on top, and refrigerate so it does not dry out.'}

15. 15

    {'id': 'step_14', 'step': 15, 'text': 'Spread or pipe a thick layer of icing on top of all the walls, and fix the roof panels in position; the roof should overlap the walls to make the eaves.'}

16. 16

    {'id': 'step_15', 'step': 16, 'text': 'Pipe or spread a little icing along the crest of the roof to hold the two pieces firmly together. Allow to set until firm, 8 hours to overnight.'}

17. 17

    {'id': 'step_16', 'step': 17, 'text': 'Lightly whisk remaining 4 egg whites together in a large bowl. Gradually beat in 10 cups confectioners' sugar, or more as needed, until a smooth icing forms with firm peaks. Pipe snow onto the roof and decorate house with candies.'}

18. 18

    {'id': 'step_17', 'step': 18, 'text': 'Finish the gingerbread house with a thin layer of sifted confectioners' sugar.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (30 servings total)