The Art of Gingerbread House Making

• Ingredients: 5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup vegetable shortening, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup molasses
• Royal Icing: 4 large egg whites, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 6 cups powdered sugar, Water (as needed)
• Preparation: Preheat oven, sift dry ingredients, grease pot, melt shortening with molasses and sugar, gradually add flour mixture

Powdered Sugar

Trivia: Royal Icing, used to make gingerbread houses, is made with powdered sugar. It is a thick, smooth icing that hardens when dry, making it perfect for building structures. The sugar crystals in powdered sugar dissolve easily, creating a smooth texture for the icing. Fun Fact: Royal Icing can also be used to decorate cookies and cakes!

The Art of Gingerbread House Making

• Step 6: 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.
• Step 7: Shape the dough into a 12-inch log and cut into 3 portions, 1 piece slightly larger than the others for the roofs.
• Step 8: Set aside the smaller pieces of dough in the pot, cover with plastic wrap, and put the lid on. Microwave if hardened.
• Step 9: Roll out the larger piece of dough to a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the 2 pieces of the roof and set on a prepared baking sheet.

Next Step: Roll Out Dough

• Roll out the larger piece of dough to a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
• Shape the dough into a 12-inch log and cut into 3 portions, 1 piece slightly larger than the others for the roofs.
• Dust a work surface with some of the remaining flour mixture.
• Set aside the smaller pieces of dough in the pot, cover with plastic wrap, and put the lid on. Microwave if hardened.

The Art of Gingerbread House Making

• Step 10: Roll out the dough and cut out the house pieces using templates.
• Step 11: Store leftover dough for decorations.
• Step 12: Bake the gingerbread house pieces until hardened.
• Step 13: Make royal icing for gluing and decorating.
• Step 14: Assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing.

Next Step: Royal Icing

Trivia: Royal icing is a popular choice for gingerbread house construction because it hardens quickly and provides a strong hold. It is made by combining powdered sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Once the gingerbread house pieces are baked and cooled, royal icing is used to glue them together and decorate the house with candies and other edible decorations.

The Art of Gingerbread House Making

• Print the template and cut along the dotted lines.
• Connect the front, back, and 2 sides with icing.
• Cut out gingerbread pieces using the template as a guide.
• Ice the top edges of the front and the sides, then attach the roof.
• Decorate with royal icing and desired decorations.
• Enjoy!

Final Step: Decorating

Trivia: Decorating with royal icing and desired decorations is the final step in making a gingerbread house. It allows you to unleash your creativity and make the house truly unique. Use colorful candies, sprinkles, and icing to bring your gingerbread house to life. Enjoy the finished masterpiece with family and friends!