Whimsical Spiced Gingerbread Village (Printable)

Build delightful spiced gingerbread houses with royal icing and candy for a festive holiday display.

# Ingredient List:

→ Gingerbread Dough

01 - 7 oz unsalted butter, softened
02 - 5.3 oz light brown sugar
03 - 6.8 fl oz golden syrup or molasses
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 21 oz all-purpose flour
06 - 2 tsp ground ginger
07 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - ½ tsp ground cloves
09 - ½ tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1 tsp baking soda
11 - ½ tsp salt

→ Royal Icing (for assembly and decoration)

12 - 3 large egg whites
13 - 15.9 oz powdered sugar, sifted
14 - ½ tsp lemon juice

→ Decorations

15 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, sprinkles)
16 - Shredded coconut (for snow)
17 - Edible glitter or pearls (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in golden syrup and eggs until well combined.
03 - Sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing to form a smooth, slightly stiff dough. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
05 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Use templates to cut out house walls, roofs, and decorative shapes. Transfer pieces to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until edges are firm and lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Transfer icing to a piping bag.
08 - Pipe royal icing along edges of walls and roofs to hold pieces together. Allow to dry before decorating.
09 - Attach candies and other decorations using royal icing. Let the assembled village sit at room temperature until icing sets completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a project you can share, where everyone gets to participate in the magic of creating something beautiful and edible together.
  • The spiced gingerbread smells like Christmas itself, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia that no candle can match.
  • These houses double as stunning decorations that actually taste amazing, making them the perfect gift or centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
02 -
  • Egg whites for royal icing must come from a completely grease-free bowl and beaters, or they simply won't whip up. Even a tiny bit of yolk or fat will prevent them from reaching stiff peaks, so take a moment to ensure everything is pristine.
  • The gingerbread pieces are actually stronger and hold together better if you allow them to cool completely before assembly. Warm gingerbread is fragile and prone to crumbling at the edges when you apply icing.
  • Don't attempt to move your assembled houses until the royal icing is completely hard. A gentle tap with your fingernail should feel solid and unyielding, not at all soft or sticky.
03 -
  • Keep your royal icing covered with a damp towel while you work. Exposure to air dries it out quickly, and dried icing won't pipe smoothly or hold pieces together as effectively.
  • If your royal icing becomes too stiff as you work, add tiny drops of water and beat again until you reach the right consistency. Too thick and it won't pipe, too thin and it won't hold anything together.
  • A piping bag fitted with a small round tip, about 3 to 4 mm, gives you the most control during assembly and lets you create beautiful, consistent lines of icing.
  • If pieces start to slip during assembly, don't hesitate to use your clean fingers to hold them in place while the icing sets. Your hands are the best support system you have.

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