Classic Christmas Gingerbread House

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic Christmas Gingerbread House.

1. Step 1

   Begin by assembling all your ingredients on a tidy workspace, setting the stage for your gingerbread creation.

2. Step 2

   In a spacious bowl, employ an electric mixer to blend softened butter and white sugar until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy delight.

3. Step 3

   Introduce molasses and egg yolks, mixing until everything is harmoniously combined.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground cloves, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

5. Step 5

   Gradually incorporate this dry blend into the buttery mixture, stirring until a smooth dough emerges.

6. Step 6

   Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

7. Step 7

   While the dough cools, craft templates for your gingerbread house by cutting out four wall panels and two rectangular roof panels from paper.

8. Step 8

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

9. Step 9

   Once the dough is chilled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into six portions, ensuring two portions are slightly larger for the roof.

10. Step 10

    Roll out the four smaller portions to about a quarter-inch thickness, using your templates to cut out the walls of the gingerbread house.

11. Step 11

    Feel free to cut out windows and a door to add character.

12. Step 12

    Roll out the remaining dough to create the two roof panels, using the templates once more.

13. Step 13

    Any leftover dough can be transformed into festive shapes with Christmas-themed cookie cutters.

14. Step 14

    Transfer all your cut dough to the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for approximately ten minutes, or until the gingerbread is crisp and fully cooked.

15. Step 15

    Allow the pieces to cool on the baking sheets for three to five minutes before moving them to wire racks, letting them cool completely at room temperature for eight hours or overnight.

16. Step 16

    To whip up the icing, lightly whisk two egg whites in a large bowl, then gradually beat in three and three-quarters cups of confectioners' sugar until a smooth icing with firm peaks forms.

17. Step 17

    Spread or pipe a line of icing along one side wall of the house on a wooden cutting board.

18. Step 18

    Secure one of the side walls upright in the icing, using cans or jars for support if necessary.

19. Step 19

    Ice the edges of one end wall and press it into place at a right angle to the first wall.

20. Step 20

    Continue this process with the remaining walls until your gingerbread structure stands tall.

21. Step 21

    Allow the walls to harden for at least two hours, covering any remaining icing to keep it fresh.

22. Step 22

    Once the walls are set, spread or pipe a generous layer of icing on top and attach the roof panels, ensuring they overlap the walls to create charming eaves.

23. Step 23

    Pipe icing along the roof's peak to secure the two pieces together, letting it set until firm, ideally for eight hours or overnight.

24. Step 24

    For an extra touch of magic, whisk the remaining four egg whites in a large bowl and gradually beat in the remaining ten cups of confectioners' sugar until a smooth icing with firm peaks forms.

25. Step 25

    Use this icing to pipe snow onto the roof and adorn your gingerbread house with colorful candies.

26. Step 26

    Finally, finish your masterpiece by dusting a delicate layer of sifted confectioners' sugar over the top, creating a picturesque snowy effect that will delight all who behold it.

27. Step 27

    Enjoy the process and the sweet memories that come with creating your gingerbread house!.