How to Craft the Perfect Gingerbread House

There's something truly magical about crafting a gingerbread house for the festive season. Whether it's the scent of ginger and spices filling your home or the joy of decorating your sweet architectural masterpiece, making a gingerbread house is a timeless tradition that brings family and friends together.

At Robins Kitchen, we believe that building a gingerbread house should be as fun and joyful as it looks. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make a gingerbread house that’s both delicious and eye-catching.

Nothing says "festive fun" quite like a gingerbread house. With its sweet aroma and intricate designs, it's not just a treat—it's the centrepiece of holiday joy. But how do you make one without it crumbling like a cookie in your hands? Let's answer your burning questions before you get started.

1. What is a Gingerbread House?

A gingerbread house is a decorative and edible creation made from pieces of baked gingerbread assembled using icing. Traditionally decorated with candies and icing, this festive favourite is often used as a holiday centrepiece.

2. How Far in Advance Can You Make It?

You can make a gingerbread house up to a week before you plan to display or eat it. This timeline gives the icing enough time to set and any decorations plenty of time to dry.

3. How Long Does a Gingerbread House Last?

If stored properly, gingerbread houses can last several weeks. However, for the best taste and freshness, aim to enjoy it within a week or two.

4. What Kitchenware Do You Need To Build a Gingerbread House?

Before getting started, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You'll need:

Bakeware Decorating Tools to add those perfect finishing touches.
Bakeware Mixing and Measuring sets to ensure your ingredients are perfectly prepared.

A gingerbread house set can help relieve the stress of crafting the gingerbread pieces - You can find a range of gingerbread house kits from Robins Kitchen this Christmas.

5. How Can Kids Get Involved When Making a Gingerbread House?

Getting kids involved in building a gingerbread house is a fun, hands-on way to spark their creativity and make lasting holiday memories. Here’s how you can turn them into little gingerbread architects:

Design the Blueprint: Let kids draw their dream gingerbread house! Whether it’s a castle, cottage, or candy palace, their sketches set the stage for a fun build.
Candy Buffet: Create a candy station with a variety of sweets—gummy bears, candy canes, licorice, and more. Let them choose their “construction materials” to decorate the house.
Frosting Fun: Hand over the frosting bags! Let them help "glue" the house pieces together and add snowy details with icing.
Creative Challenges: Encourage kids to build candy characters, marshmallow snowmen, or even a candy garden. Make it a playful competition!
Taste Testing: Set aside a candy snack pile to munch on during the process. After all, what’s decorating without tasting?

Tips for Making a Gingerbread House

Plan Ahead: Take a moment to read through the entire recipe and visualise your theme. Gather all your ingredients and tools beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Choose Your Lollies Wisely: Use a variety of colours and textures for eye-catching decorations. Choose candy canes, gumdrops and Christmas-coloured sweets.
Be Patient: Give each step the time it needs, especially when assembling and decorating your house.

The Perfect Gingerbread House Recipe

Tools:

1 set of Cookie Cutters (for cutting out house shapes)
2x Mixing Bowls (for mixing dough and icing)
2x Baking sheets (for baking gingerbread pieces)
2x Piping Bags (for icing decoration and construction)
2x Cooling Racks (for cooling gingerbread pieces)
1x Sifters (for sifting dry ingredients)
1x Rolling Pin (for rolling out the dough)

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread:

250g butter, at room temperature
200g firmly packed brown sugar
125ml golden syrup
2 eggs, separated
750g plain flour
2 tablespoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons mixed spice
2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
Plain flour, for dusting

For the Royal Icing:

500g pure icing sugar, sifted
2 egg whites, at room temperature
½ teaspoon cream of tartar

How To Make Gingerbread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F), and line baking trays with baking paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric beater to whisk the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Add Other Wet Ingredients: Mix in the golden syrup and egg yolks until well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, ginger, mixed spice, and bicarbonate of soda until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of baking paper and roll it out to about 4mm thick.
Cut the Shapes: Use a cutter or template to cut gingerbread shapes. Carefully transfer them to the prepared trays.
Bake the Gingerbread: Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the panels are sturdy.
Cool: While still soft, trim edges to ensure straight lines for easier assembly later. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

How to Make Gingerbread House Icing

Step 3: Whip Up the Royal Icing

Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Add Sugar and Cream of Tartar: Gradually add the icing sugar and cream of tartar, beating until the icing is thick and glossy.
Prepare to Pipe: Spoon icing into a piping bag. Remember, it dries quickly, so cover any unused icing with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a crust.

How To Construct Your Gingerbread House

Step 4: Build and Decorate

Start with the Walls: Use the icing to "glue" the walls together. Allow them to dry and firm up before adding the roof and other details.
Decorate: You can decorate the panels before or after assembly. Have fun with lollies, desiccated coconut for snow, fairy floss for chimney smoke, and a gingerbread family for extra charm!

Pro Tips:

If the gingerbread panels are too soft after cooling, bake them for an extra 5 minutes with foil.
Use the included templates from the Soffritto Christmas Gingerbread House Set for precise cuts and assembly.
For added support, add extra icing inside the house on the corners using a piping bag to ensure the gingerbread house is extra sturdy.

Storing and Transporting Your Gingerbread House

1. How to Store?

Store your gingerbread house in a cool, dry place. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap or place it in a container with a loose-fitting lid to keep it fresh.

2. How to Transport?

To transport, ensure that your house is on a flat surface. Consider using a cake box or a sturdy tray to protect it from damage during the move.

There you have it—a delightful gingerbread house that's as fun to make as it is to eat! Creating a gingerbread house is not just about baking; it's about crafting a memory with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a first-timer, with this recipe from Robins Kitchen, you're just one step away from creating a festive centrepiece that even Santa Clause himself would admire.

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