Get ready to transform ordinary graham crackers into an extraordinary edible masterpiece that will wow your family and friends! This isn't just a dessert—it's a delicious work of art that combines the nostalgic charm of holiday crafting with mouthwatering gingerbread flavors. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned kitchen pro, our step-by-step guide will help you create a stunning gingerbread house that looks like it belongs in a professional bakery window, all while being surprisingly simple to make.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 gingerbread house
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted candies for decoration
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Royal Icing: In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. The consistency should be like a paste that can hold the graham crackers together.
- Create Gingerbread Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and molasses until well combined. Add ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients by sifting flour and baking soda together. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.
- Prepare graham crackers by carefully cutting them into house-shaped pieces using a sharp knife. You'll need panels for walls, roof, and base.
- Use royal icing as "glue" to assemble the graham cracker house structure. Start by creating the base, then attach walls, ensuring each connection is sturdy and allowed to set.
- Once the basic structure is stable, carefully attach roof panels at an angle, using royal icing to secure edges.
- Allow house structure to dry completely for about 30 minutes before decorating.
- Decorate the house using royal icing as adhesive for candies, creating patterns, windows, doors, and other decorative elements.
- Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar to create a snow-like effect for added festivity.
- Let the decorated gingerbread house set and dry completely for at least 1 hour before displaying or serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Icing Consistency is Key: Your royal icing should be thick enough to hold crackers but not so stiff that it cracks. Test by drawing a line—it should disappear in 10-15 seconds.
- Cutting Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife when cutting graham crackers to get clean, precise edges for your house structure.
- Patience is Crucial: Allow each structural layer to dry completely before adding the next to prevent collapse.
- Decorating Hack: Use piping bags or zip-lock bags with a small corner cut for more precise icing and candy placement.
- Stability Trick: If your house feels wobbly, reinforce interior corners with extra royal icing.
- Make It Fun: Let kids help with decorating, but handle the structural assembly yourself for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
