Homemade Gingerbread Houses Recipe
Our recipe for homemade gingerbread houses has three different reusable templates for you to choose from to make the type of house that works for you.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 782kcal
Cost: $9.67
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- rolling pin
- parchment paper
- paring knife
- baking sheet
- 10-inch frying pan
- handheld mixer
Ingredients
GINGERBREAD:
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
HOUSE GLUE:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
ROYAL ICING:
- 6 teaspoons Wilton Meringue powder
- 6 Tablespoons water
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
PREP THE TEMPLATE:
- First, print off the Gingerbread House template and then cut it out and trace it onto a cereal box, and then cut that out, too.
MAKE THE GINGERBREAD DOUGH:
- Next, mix together the shortening, sugar, molasses, and vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Then mix in the egg.
- Mix dry ingredients and add to the molasses mixture, ensuring you mix it well.
ROLL OUT AND CUT THE DOUGH:
- Next, roll dough onto parchment paper and cut out the gingerbread house pieces except for the windows and doors using a paring knife. You will cut the windows and doors out after the gingerbread pieces are done baking. Pick up the parchment paper and place it on a cookie sheet after cutting the shapes.
BAKE THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE PIECES:
- Bake at 350 degrees for 11-14 minutes for the larger pieces and 8-10 minutes for the smaller pieces. Gently place the house template back on the baked shapes and quickly re-cut edges for straight lines. ‘A-frame’ style will need to have the triangle pieces trimmed after coming out of the oven or the ‘roof’ pieces will not sit flush. Next, cut out the windows and door.
PREP CARDBOARD BASES:
- Wrap a piece of sturdy cardboard (Amazon boxes or Pizza box lids work great) in foil.
MAKE THE SUGAR GLUE:
- Make the sugar glue by cooking down 2 cups of sugar in a 1-inch frying pan over medium to high heat. You’ll know it is done when you can drop a small amount into a glass of water, and it forms a ball.
CONSTRUCT THE HOUSES USING THE SUGAR GLUE:
- Next, work quickly and dip the base of the front piece of the house in the glue and place it on the desired location of your surface.
- Then, using one side piece, dip the base and one side and attach it to the front of the house. Do the same for the other side piece.
- Next, using the back piece, dip the base and drizzle some sugar from a spoon down either side of the back piece before attaching it to the side pieces.
- Drizzle sugar glue down the backside of the roof pieces and place on the top of the houses. Use sugar glue to attach the door in an open position.
MAKE THE ROYAL ICING:
- In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, or using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat all of the ingredients together on low until the powdered sugar is absorbed, increasing the speed to high, and beat for 7-10 minutes. Use immediately. Cover unused icing with a damp paper towel to keep the frosting from drying out.
DECORATE:
- Finally, fill the piping bags fitted with round piping tips with the royal icing. Decorate the houses using royal icing and candies of your choosing. Have fun, and take lots of pictures for family memories!
Video
Notes
This recipe has three different templates. The recipe makes 2 big houses, 4 small houses, or eight A-frame smaller houses.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 151g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 110g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 4mg