# What You Need:
→ Gingerbread House Pieces
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing (for glue)
11 - 2 large egg whites
12 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
→ Decorations & Candy
14 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
15 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
16 - 1 cup candy canes, crushed or mini whole
17 - 1 cup chocolate buttons or M&Ms
18 - 1 cup peppermint candies
19 - 1 cup jelly beans
20 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
21 - Assorted sprinkles
22 - Edible glitter (optional)
→ Extras
23 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for snow effect)
24 - 1 cup fresh berries (optional, for color)
# Directions:
01 - Cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl. Add molasses and the egg, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet until dough forms. Divide dough, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates or cookie cutters, cut out panels for walls, roofs, and doors. Arrange pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake pieces for 12 to 15 minutes until firm. Allow to cool completely before assembly.
04 - Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Transfer to piping bags for assembly.
05 - Lay out all gingerbread pieces, candies, sprinkles, and decorations on a large board or platter. Provide bowls of royal icing and tools for guest use.
06 - Invite participants to construct and embellish mini gingerbread houses using the provided pieces, icing, and candies.
07 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the board to simulate snow and optionally add fresh berries for color enhancement.
