# Components:
→ 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 packed 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)
# Method:
01 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Divide dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll chilled dough on parchment paper to a thickness of 1/5 inch (5 mm). Cut out gingerbread house shapes (walls, roof, door, chimney) using templates. Transfer pieces onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
03 - Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cream of tartar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Using piping bags, pipe thick lines of royal icing along edges of walls and assemble on a sturdy base. Hold panels for several minutes until set. Allow structure to dry for 30 minutes before attaching roof panels with additional icing. Support until stable.
05 - Use royal icing to attach assorted candies and create decorative icicles. Sprinkle shredded coconut or powdered sugar to simulate snow. Allow decorations to dry thoroughly before moving the house.
