# What You’ll Need:
→ 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 butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until a dough forms. Divide dough into two, shape into discs, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates or cookie cutters, cut gingerbread panels including walls, roofs, and doors. Transfer pieces onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm to touch. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating continuously until stiff peaks form. Transfer icing to a piping bag for assembling.
04 - Place all gingerbread panels, candies, and decorations across a large serving board or platter. Provide piping bags or small spatulas with royal icing in small bowls nearby for easy access.
05 - Encourage guests to construct and decorate individual mini gingerbread houses by joining pieces with royal icing and embellishing with assorted candies.
06 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the display to simulate snow. Add fresh berries for visual contrast, if desired.
07 - Use the completed gingerbread display as an interactive centerpiece and enjoy as a festive seasonal treat.
