The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and the sweet aroma of gingerbread wafting through the air. What better way to celebrate the festive spirit than by crafting your very own gingerbread house?
In this step-by-step guide to build a gingerbread house, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a delightful gingerbread masterpiece. We provide a DIY recipe for those who love to bake from scratch and an alternative to use pre-made kits for those seeking the convenience of handmade without the work.
Supply List for Gingerbread Homes
Before you can start building your Gingerbread community, you’ll need to have the materials to create your pieces. If you’re making your village from scratch, you’ll need several ingredients to make your dough. Then you’ll need the accessories to make your shapes. Otherwise, you’ll need a pre-made kit.
Ingredients for the DIY Gingerbread House:
If you want the authentic experience of crafting a gingerbread house, you can make all of your parts from scratch. The most important part is the dough.
For the Gingerbread:
Shop my grocery list for quick access to all your needed ingredients.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
For the Royal Icing
Along with gingerbread dough, you’ll also need something to use as glue. Royal icing works great as edible glue to hold your pieces together. Or you can buy this bottle of edible adhesive.
- 3 egg whites
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Materials for Baking
To make gingerbread houses, you’ll need the edible ingredients. But you’ll also need baking utensils. These are the materials I use when I’m baking cookies.
Cooking Utensils:
Most of the cooking utensils you need for making gingerbread are common kitchen staples. The only specialized utensils you might need are cookie cutters.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for mixing dry and wet ingredients. (I love this set with measuring spoons)
- Whisk: For combining ingredients smoothly. (These are my favorites)
- Wooden Spoons: Ideal for stirring and mixing. (This set is fantastic)
- Rolling Pin: Used to roll out the gingerbread dough to an even thickness. (This set has adjustable rolling pins and a silicone mat)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise measurements of ingredients (This stainless steel set is easy to clean and stackable).
- Cookie Cutters: Gingerbread house-shaped cutters for creating walls and roof pieces. (I love these gingerbread people cutters to make the whole family and this set for making the gingerbread house structures).
- Offset Spatula or Bench Scraper: For neat cutting and lifting of gingerbread pieces. (Check out this set with four spatulas and scrapers).
- Piping Bags: For decorating with icing (This icing decorating set comes with 100 bags and multiple tips).
- Small Piping Tips: Various tips for detailed icing work.
- Small Paintbrushes: For applying royal icing or edible decorations (This set has four brushes).
Bakeware:
There are a few things that you’ll need to get out of your cabinetry to use for making your cookies. Again, these are items that you’ll likely already have on hand.
- Baking Sheets: To bake the gingerbread pieces. (This incredible set comes with multiple sizes of pas, cooling racks, and silicone mats.)
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To line the baking sheets for easy removal of gingerbread pieces (This 6-piece set comes with different shapes and sizes.)
- Gingerbread House Template: You can find templates online or create your own for cutting out the gingerbread pieces.
- Cooling Racks: To cool the baked gingerbread pieces (Try this four piece set or this stackable 3 piece.)
Optional Extras:
While these accessories aren’t necessary, I can attest from personal experience that they can make your process faster and easier.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While not essential, these can make the mixing process quicker and easier. (I use this hand mixer when I’m in a hurry or this stand mixer when I’m doing big baking projects.)
- Food Processor: Useful for quickly combining the gingerbread dough ingredients (The hubby surprised me with this bad boy and it’s been fantastic.)
- Candy and Decorations: Colored candies, sprinkles, icings, and other edible decorations for embellishing your gingerbread house.
Remember, the specific sizes and quantities of utensils and bakeware may vary depending on the size and complexity of your gingerbread house design. I always pull everything out before I’m ready to get started baking to examine my inventory and make sure I have everything I need.
Nothing is worse than being in the middle of your process and realizing you don’t have a crucial component. (Thanks Instacart for making it easy to keep my lists organized and ready to deliver to my door at a moment’s notice.)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gingerbread
You can create gingerbread in a few short steps. Once you have the dough formed and chilled, you can roll it out and cut out your gingerbread people or gingerbread structures. If you want a quick reference guide, get this FREE gingerbread printable.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cutting and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a gingerbread house template or cut out your own walls and roof pieces.
- Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Allow the pieces to cool completely before assembling.
Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag with a small tip for precision.
Assembly:
- Begin by assembling the walls of your gingerbread house using royal icing as glue.
- Once the walls are secure, attach the roof pieces and let the icing set.
- Get creative! Use additional icing to add decorative elements like windows, doors, and snow.
Buying a Ready-Made Kit:
If you’re short on time or prefer a hassle-free option, consider purchasing a pre-made gingerbread house kit. These kits typically include pre-baked gingerbread pieces and pre-made icing, making the assembly process quick and easy.
Select Your Kit:
Choose a gingerbread house kit that fits your preferences. Many options are available, ranging from traditional houses to whimsical cottages.
Assembly:
- Follow the instructions provided in the kit for assembling the gingerbread house.
- Use the included icing to attach the pieces, and feel free to add your own creative touches with additional decorations.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to embark on the DIY gingerbread adventure or opt for the convenience of a ready-made kit, the joy of creating and decorating your own gingerbread house is unparalleled. Share the experience with loved ones, and let the festive spirit come alive in every sweet detail. Happy crafting!
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