Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tsp ground ginger
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- For the royal icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 7-8 tbsp warm water
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
Step 3
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
Step 4
Stir in the molasses and vinegar.
Step 5
Gradually mix in the flour mixture until the dough comes together.
Step 6
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the gingerbread dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out the pieces for your house, including two roof panels, two side walls, a front wall, and a back wall.
Step 9
Transfer the gingerbread pieces to the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm to the touch.
Step 10
Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house.
Step 11
To make the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, cream of tartar, and warm water until smooth.
Step 12
Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, pipe a line of icing along the edges of each gingerbread piece and assemble the house.
Step 13
Allow the icing to dry and harden before decorating with candies and other decorations.
