In the realm of holiday baking, constructing a gingerbread house stands as a cherished tradition, a testament to creativity and festive spirit. This iconic edible structure, composed of intricately cut gingerbread pieces, is transformed into a magical abode through the application of royal icing, a versatile and delectable adhesive that not only binds the gingerbread components but also serves as a canvas for intricate decorations. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to craft stunning gingerbread houses, complete with sturdy construction, immaculate icing, and an array of embellishments that will make your creation the centerpiece of any holiday gathering. Discover the secrets to achieving the perfect consistency of royal icing, ensuring both structural integrity and a smooth, flawless finish. Learn the art of piping intricate designs, adding colorful accents, and incorporating edible accessories to bring your gingerbread house to life. Whether you're a seasoned gingerbread architect or embarking on your first festive construction project, this guide will provide you with the confidence and skills to create edible masterpieces that will delight and enchant all who behold them.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ROYAL ICING FOR GINGERBREAD HOUSE
This recipe is used to make our Swedish Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Facade, and Snow-Swept Gingerbread Cottage.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes about 5 cups
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- With an electric mixer on low speed, beat ingredients until fluffy, 7 to 8 minutes. Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container (royal icing hardens quickly when exposed to air) and refrigerate up to 1 week. Stir well with a flexible spatula before using.
- Thin icing as needed by stirring in additional water, one teaspoon at a time. For piping designs, add just enough water that icing is no longer stiff; for floodwork, add water until icing is the consistency of honey.
ROYAL ICING I
Perfect icing for your gingerbread houses!
Provided by Diane
Categories Desserts Frostings and Icings Cookie Frosting
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Beat egg whites in a clean, large bowl with mixer at high speed until foamy (use only grade A clean, uncracked eggs). Gradually add sugar and lemon extract. Beat at high speed until thickened.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.3 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Protein 0.5 g, Sodium 7.1 mg, Sugar 15.4 g
ROYAL ICING III
A recipe for Gingerbread House icing.
Provided by Veronica
Categories Desserts Frostings and Icings Cookie Frosting
Time 10m
Yield 64
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a bowl, sift together confectioners' sugar and cream of tartar. Using electric mixer, beat in 2 beaten egg whites for about 5 minutes or until mixture is thick enough to hold its shape.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 23.4 calories, Carbohydrate 5.9 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 1.8 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
ROYAL ICING FOR A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
This recipe will see you through assembling and decorating a 6-by-7-inch gingerbread house with plenty left over for snowdrifts and other essentials.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 10m
Yield about 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder in a large bowl. Add the vanilla, the peppermint extract if using and 5 tablespoons water and beat on medium-high speed with an electric mixer, scraping down the sides as necessary, until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water if needed. Divide the icing between 2 piping bags, one fitted with a small plain tip and the other fitted with a large plain tip.
ROYAL ICING RECIPE FOR A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
Royal icing is the mortar or glue that holds a gingerbread house together. Here are the tips to making this easy three-ingredient recipe.
Provided by Barbara Rolek
Categories Dessert Ingredient
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a large bowl , combine the confectioners' sugar, cream of tartar, and pasteurized egg whites. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the mixer to high and beat until the mixture is thick, bright white, and will hold a stiff peak. This should take at least 7 to 10 minutes. If the icing is still too soupy, add more confectioners' sugar a little at a time. Don't add too much, or the icing will be dry and hard to work with.
- When finished, cover with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the royal icing so a crust doesn't form. Royal icing dries out quickly, so make sure it is covered all the time. Otherwise, lumps will form in the icing and they will never pass through an icing tip.
- When ready to use, transfer to a piping bag and decorate . Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 122 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 14 mg, Sugar 30 g, Fat 0 g, ServingSize 1 house (12 to 15 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
Tips:
- Use fresh egg whites at room temperature. This will help the royal icing reach its full potential in terms of stiffness and shine.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, until the icing reaches the desired consistency. If you add too much powdered sugar at once, the icing can become too thick and difficult to work with.
- Beat the icing for at least 5 minutes on high speed. This will help to incorporate air into the icing, making it light and fluffy.
- If you want to make colored royal icing, add a few drops of food coloring to the icing and mix until well combined. You can also use natural food colorings, such as beet juice or turmeric powder.
- Store royal icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When you are ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Conclusion:
Royal icing is a versatile and delicious way to decorate gingerbread houses and other baked goods. With a little practice, you can create beautiful and intricate designs that will impress your friends and family. So next time you are looking for a fun and creative project, give royal icing a try!
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