Simple Homemade Gingerbread House

This straightforward recipe clearly guides you in crafting a gingerbread house at home. Create this festive treat with your kids and cherish the anticipation of Christmas together.

Ingredients
Brown sugar
60 g
or plain sugar, plus 100g for making the wall "glue"
Honey
80 g
   
Butter
50 g
   
Milk
30 ml
   
Egg
1 piece
plus extra egg white for decoration
White flour
270 g
   
Cinnamon powder
2 tsp
   
Ginger
1 tsp
optionally add nutmeg, cloves, and allspice as per taste
Baking powder
5 g
   
Powdered sugar
80 g
   
Step by step
Step 1

Add the brown sugar, milk, butter, and honey in a saucepan.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 1
Step 2

Heat on the stove, stirring until the ingredients melt. Avoid boiling.

Let the syrup cool; it should be warm or room temperature.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 2
Step 3

Meanwhile, start planning your house's design. Keep graph paper, a ruler, a pen, and scissors handy.

Our father, who played "architect," developed a successful project, you'll find our house dimensions in the last step.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 3
Step 4

Cut out the house pieces on paper; these templates will help in cutting the dough.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 4
Step 5

Continue by mixing flour, baking powder, and spices in a bowl.

Since I ran out of brown sugar but wanted darker dough, I added 1 teaspoon of cocoa.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 5
Step 6

Add the cooled syrup and 1 egg to the flour mixture.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 6
Step 7

Knead the dough first with a spatula/spoon, then with your hands.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 7
Step 8

You'll get a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 8
Step 9

Tear off pieces, roll out until 0.5mm thick using flour, and transfer to baking paper. Cut house pieces according to paper templates.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 9
Step 10

Repeat for all house pieces and transfer them onto a baking tray with the paper.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 10
Step 11

Bake each piece at 200 degrees for 8-10 minutes. They bake quickly, so watch carefully to avoid burning. Allow them to cool.

Use remaining dough for extra items like a mini house, figures, or cookies.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 11
Step 12

Prepare the "glue" when ready to assemble the house.

Make caramel using 100g sugar and 3 tablespoons water. Melt in the microwave or on the stove until slightly yellow, about 2-3 minutes.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 12
Step 13

Caramel benefits: walls solidify quickly and set nicely.

Negative: work swiftly and carefully to avoid burns, especially with children. Reheat if it hardens.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 13
Step 14

Here you see the family's collective efforts. Someone holds pieces, another applies caramel, while kids watch.

Once the house is assembled, let the caramel set before continuing to decorate.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 14
Step 15

Whisk egg whites until stiff and gradually add powdered sugar.

Decorate based on your creativity and skill.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 15
Step 16

Use commercial decorations like chocolate balls if desired.

Our family decorated a large house and a smaller one, notably crafted by mom and Sofi respectively.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 16
Step 17

The smaller house pleased Sofi, who couldn't wait to taste it once built.

This effort brings immense joy to children.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 17
Step 18

The larger house sits under the tree, ready for Santa's visit.

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 18
Step 19

Here are the house wall dimensions:

1. Base - 12cm x 18cm

2. Large side walls (2 pieces) - 10cm x 16cm, one with a door and 2 windows.

3. Roof (2 pieces) - 8.5cm x 18.5cm

4. Small walls (with roof angle) (2 pieces) - base 10cm, walls 10cm, sides 7cm; optionally add a window.

Good luck with your project!

Simple Homemade Gingerbread House - Step 19
Quantity: 1 pcs ()
Prep time:
60 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 60 min