Childrens Gingerbread House

Name: Childrens Gingerbread House
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 1 house
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 3 cup icing sugar (sifted); 2 large egg whites (or meringue powder equivalent); 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

105 min 1 house Medium

All Recipes

Create a festive and fun gingerbread house for children to decorate and enjoy.

Prep

60 min

Cook

15 min

Total

105 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Building a gingerbread house is a cherished holiday tradition that captivates children and adults alike. This recipe is specifically tailored for children, with a focus on both fun and safety. The gingerbread is sturdy enough to hold up to enthusiastic decorating but remains deliciously edible. This version of the classic gingerbread house is all about creativity. With simple, easy-to-follow instructions, children can create their own winter wonderland. By making the dough and assembling the house yourself, you can ensure an enjoyable and educational holiday activity for the whole family.

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses and egg, mixing until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Pro tip: Chill the dough for easier rolling.

Chill the dough

Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread house shapes using templates.

Pro tip: Use parchment paper underneath to prevent sticking.

Bake the pieces

Transfer cut-out pieces onto baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until edges are firm and slightly darkened. Let cool completely.

Pro tip: Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.

Make the royal icing

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add icing sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

Pro tip: Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.

Assemble the house

Using royal icing, glue the edges of the gingerbread pieces together to form walls and roof. Hold until set. Let the structure dry for at least 1 hour before decorating.

Pro tip: Use small jars or cans to prop up walls while drying.

Decorate the house

Use remaining royal icing to attach candies and decorations. Be creative and have fun!

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Tips & Tricks

Use royal icing as 'glue' for strong construction.
Let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling.
Decorate with a variety of candies for a colourful effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gingerbread house recipe for children?

This gingerbread house recipe is designed for children with easy-to-follow steps and a focus on fun decorating.

How do you assemble a gingerbread house?

Use royal icing to glue the gingerbread pieces together, holding them in place until set.

How long does it take to make a gingerbread house?

This recipe takes about 105 minutes in total, including preparation, baking, and assembly time.

Can you make gingerbread house pieces ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the gingerbread pieces ahead and store them in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

How do you store a gingerbread house?

Cover the assembled house with cling film if displaying for more than a week, or store pieces in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Once your gingerbread house is complete, display it as a festive centrepiece. For a fun family activity, consider making multiple houses for a village scene. Store any leftover gingerbread pieces in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The assembled house can be covered lightly with cling film if you plan to keep it as decoration for more than a week.