# Ingredient list:
→ Gingerbread Dough
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup molasses or dark treacle
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
→ Royal Icing
13 - 2 large egg whites
14 - 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
16 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
17 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, licorice, sprinkles)
18 - Shredded coconut or powdered sugar for snow effect
19 - Edible silver pearls (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ground spices, and salt. Cream butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and honey. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough on parchment paper to 1/5 inch thickness. Cut shapes using templates. Transfer to lined baking sheets and bake 12 to 15 minutes until firm and golden. Cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream of tartar; continue beating until stiff peaks form. Divide and color as desired. Cover with a damp cloth until use.
04 - Pipe thick lines of royal icing along panel edges. Assemble walls on a sturdy base, holding in place until set. Allow to dry 30 minutes before attaching roof panels with icing and supporting until firm.
05 - Attach candies with royal icing, create icicles, and add snow effects with coconut or powdered sugar. Let decoration dry fully before moving the assembled house.
