## Gingerbread House

Ingredients and Weight:

• Gingerbread Cookie Mix: 1 box (approximately 1 pound)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
• Molasses: 1/4 cup
• Egg: 1 large
• Milk: 2 tablespoons
• Royal Icing:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: 3 cups
  • Meringue Powder: 1/4 cup
  • Warm Water: 10-12 tablespoons
• Candy Canes: 6-8, for decorations
• Gumdrops: 1 bag, for decorations
• Sprinkles: 1/2 cup, for decorations

Preparation Time:

• 1 hour

Cooking Time:

• 30-40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 4

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the gingerbread cookie dough according to the instructions on the box.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
4. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces (walls, roof, etc.) using cookie cutters or a template.
5. Transfer the gingerbread pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. In a small bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Stir in the molasses and egg.
8. Spread the butter mixture over the gingerbread pieces.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Allow the gingerbread pieces to cool completely.
11. To make the royal icing, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder.
12. Gradually add the warm water until the icing reaches a smooth and slightly thick consistency.
13. Assemble the gingerbread house using the royal icing. Let the icing dry for at least 30 minutes.
14. Decorate the gingerbread house with candy canes, gumdrops, and sprinkles.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1/8 of the gingerbread house):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Festive and eye-catching
• Rich and flavorful gingerbread cookie base
• Sweet and sticky royal icing
• Colorful and whimsical decorations

User Comments:

• "This gingerbread house was a hit at our Christmas party! It was so much fun to make and decorate." - Sarah M.
• "The gingerbread was perfectly spiced and the royal icing was so smooth and easy to use." - Emily J.
• "My kids loved helping me make this gingerbread house. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit." - Jennifer R.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh gingerbread cookie mix for the best results.
• If the royal icing becomes too thick, add a little more warm water. If it becomes too thin, add a little more confectioners' sugar.
• Allow the gingerbread house to dry completely before decorating it.
• Store the gingerbread house in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.