Gingerbread House
The tradition of the gingerbread house dates back hundreds of years, originally from Germany. The first known gingerbread houses were inspired by the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," in which a house covered in sweets plays a central role. Since then, it has become popular worldwide, especially during the Christmas holidays. Making a gingerbread house is not only a creative challenge but also a great family program where every generation can find their joy. The fragrant gingerbread, the colorful decorations of sweets, and the perfect combination of the festive atmosphere make the process unforgettable. The gingerbread house is not only delicious, but it can also be an eye-catching festive decoration that will adorn the table at Christmas.
Ingredients for this recipe
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Preparation Steps
1
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2
Melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the honey. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before gradually adding it to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon.
3
Add the eggs and begin to knead the dough by hand until you have a soft, homogeneous mass. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step helps the dough become easier to roll out.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 5 mm (approximately 1/4 inch) thickness. Using paper templates, cut out various house shapes, such as walls, a roof, and other decorative elements.
6
Place the cut-out dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as the dough can dry out easily.
7
While the gingerbread pieces are cooling, prepare the royal icing. Combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
8
Use the royal icing to glue the walls and roof elements of the house together. Hold the elements together for a few minutes to allow the icing to set. Then, decorate the house with additional royal icing, colorful candies, or other decorations.
9
Let the house stand at room temperature until the royal icing is completely set. Then you can admire your finished gingerbread house, or even eat it!
