Gingerbread House

What you’ll need

Let’s do this

1. 1

   Make a simple paper pattern

   Draw two identical end walls: each is 4 inches (10 cm) wide, with vertical sides 3 inches (7.5 cm) high and a centered roof peak reaching 6 inches (15 cm) high. Draw two side walls 6 × 3 inches (15 × 7.5 cm), and two roof panels 6½ × 4 inches (16.5 × 10 cm). Cut out the six paper pieces. Keep the walls solid; pipe doors and windows later.

2. 2

   Mix and chill

   Whisk the flour, spices, salt and baking soda. Beat the butter and brown sugar until combined, then mix in the molasses and egg. Stir in the dry ingredients until a firm dough forms, adding water a teaspoon at a time only if it will not come together. Divide in half, flatten, wrap and refrigerate for 90 minutes.

3. 3

   Cut the panels

   Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the cold dough between lightly floured parchment sheets to an even ¼ inch (6 mm). Lay the templates on top, cut around them and remove the scraps. Transfer the parchment with its panels onto two baking sheets; reroll scraps for any remaining panels and small decorating cookies. Leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between pieces.

4. 4

   Bake and straighten

   Bake one tray at a time for 16–20 minutes, until the edges are a shade darker and the centers feel firm. While a panel is still warm, set its clean paper template on top and carefully trim any spread with a small knife. Keep hands away from the hot tray. Cool all panels flat for at least 60 minutes; they must be completely cold and rigid.

5. 5

   Prepare the edible glue

   With clean, grease-free equipment, beat the powdered sugar, meringue powder and water according to the powder label, generally 7–10 minutes on low speed. The icing should hold a firm peak. Add a few drops of water only if too stiff to pipe. Keep the bowl covered and use a piping bag with a small round opening.

6. 6

   Build the walls

   Pipe a thick line of icing where each wall will touch the board and along the joining edges. Stand the two end walls with the side walls between them to form the rectangle. Hold briefly, then support with clean cans placed outside the house. Pipe icing inside the corners. Let the walls set for at least 60 minutes before touching the roof.

7. 7

   Add the roof

   Pipe icing along both sloping gables and the tops of the side walls. Set one roof panel on each side, with a little overhang at the ends. Hold until stable, support if needed, and pipe a line along the roof ridge. Allow another 60 minutes to set.

8. 8

   Decorate, then leave it alone

   Use remaining icing to attach candies, pipe snowy borders and draw doors and windows. Tint small portions if you like. Let the decorated house set for at least 60 minutes before carefully moving its board; overnight gives a firmer structure. The timing includes the minimum setting stages. Never use craft glue on a house that may be eaten.