Published: 13 December 2024

The Christmas holiday season is magical, and making a homemade gingerbread house is just one of the many classic festive activities. This year, why not gather your family and friends for a fun and creative baking project? With a little patience and a lot of festive spirit, you can create a beautiful gingerbread house that not only looks good but tastes good!

Our Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking a Gingerbread House

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Biscuit cutters (house shapes, such as a roof, walls, and door)
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Piping bags
  • Small round piping tip
  • Toothpicks or skewers

Ingredients

For Gingerbread:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup black treacle
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Icing:

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and black treacle.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the dough into two portions and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
  6. Use biscuit cutters to cut out the house shapes.
  7. Place the cut-out shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Gingerbread

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Bake the gingerbread pieces for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  3. Let the pieces cool completely on the baking sheet before assembling the house.

Step 3: Make the Icing

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, whisking until smooth and glossy.
  3. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water.

Step 4: Assemble your Gingerbread House

  1. Once the gingerbread pieces are completely cool, use the icing to assemble the house.
  2. Pipe a thick layer of icing onto the edges of the walls and roof pieces.
  3. Carefully attach the pieces together, using toothpicks or skewers to hold them in place while the icing sets.
  4. Once the house is assembled, use the remaining icing to decorate the house with sweets, sprinkles, and other festive decorations.

Some Helpful Tips:

  • Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure even baking.
  • Don’t overbake the gingerbread pieces. They should be lightly golden brown.
  • Let the gingerbread pieces cool completely before assembling the house.
  • Use a piping bag with a small round tip to apply the icing.
  • Be patient and take your time when assembling the house.
  • Have fun and get creative! There are no rules when it comes to decorating your gingerbread house.

With a little practice and patience, you can create a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house that will be a core memory for you and your little ones this holiday season. Happy baking!

Plan your visit to Holker Hall today here.