Name: Gingerbread House
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) brown sugar; 1 cup (350g) molasses; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cloves; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp Salt; 5 cup (625g) all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 3 large egg whites; 4 cup (500g) powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp cream of tartar (optional, for stability) or lemon juice; Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, M&Ms, etc.); Sprinkles; Edible glitter; Mini marshmallows

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Dough
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
2. - In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  - Add molasses and eggs, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
  - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a stiff dough forms.
  - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Bake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
3. Cut Out House Shapes:
  - Use templates for the walls, roof, and door of your gingerbread house. (Templates can be printed online or hand-drawn.)
  - Transfer cut-out pieces to the baking sheets.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and slightly darkened. Let cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Make the Royal Icing
1. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low speed.
3. Increase speed and beat until the icing forms stiff peaks. Transfer to a piping bag with a small round tip.

Step 4: Assemble the House
1. Lay out the cooled gingerbread pieces.
2. Use royal icing to “glue” the walls together. Hold each piece for a few seconds to set.
3. Attach the roof pieces and let the structure dry for at least 30 minutes before decorating.

Step 5: Decorate
- Use royal icing to stick candies, sprinkles, and other decorations to your house.
- Let everything dry for a few hours or overnight.

Gingerbread House