# What you'll need:
→ Gingerbread Panels
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 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Decorations
15 - 1 cup assorted candies (gumdrops, mini pretzels, chocolate buttons, sprinkles, candy canes, etc.)
16 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for snow effect)
17 - 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; mix until fully combined.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
04 - Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment sheets to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates, cut out gingerbread panels for the house: two walls (4x6 inches), two roof pieces (5x7 inches), and two side walls (4x5 inches).
05 - Transfer the cut panels to prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy. Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
07 - Pipe icing along the edges of the gingerbread panels and join them to form the structure. Hold the pieces together for a few minutes until the icing sets, then allow the house to dry for 30 minutes.
08 - Use remaining royal icing to pipe decorative details, and attach assorted candies, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows as desired. Let the assembled house dry until the icing hardens before display or serving.
