Create a festive gingerbread house board with spiced dough, candies, and royal icing for a fun holiday centerpiece.
# Components:
→ Gingerbread House Pieces
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
11 - 2 large egg whites
12 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
→ Decorations & Candy
14 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
15 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
16 - 1 cup candy canes, crushed or mini whole
17 - 1 cup chocolate buttons or M&Ms
18 - 1 cup peppermint candies
19 - 1 cup jelly beans
20 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
21 - Assorted sprinkles
22 - Edible glitter (optional)
→ Extras
23 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut for snow effect
24 - 1 cup fresh berries (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in molasses and egg thoroughly. In another bowl, whisk all-purpose flour with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet until a cohesive dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using gingerbread house templates or cookie cutters, cut wall, roof, and door panels. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm but not darkened. Cool completely on wire racks.
03 - Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating continuously until stiff peaks form. Transfer icing to a piping bag for assembly.
04 - Arrange all gingerbread pieces, candies, and decorations on a large serving board or platter. Provide bowls of royal icing with piping bags or small spatulas for gluing. Invite guests to construct and ornament their own mini gingerbread houses.
05 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the board to simulate snow. Optionally, add fresh berries for vibrant color. Use edible glitter as desired to enhance festive effect.
06 - Use the assembled gingerbread houses as an interactive centerpiece and seasonal treat, perfect for holiday entertaining.
