Classic Gingerbread + Icing Recipes

Classic Gingerbread

Search no more for the perfect gingerbread recipe that can satisfy your creative whim! One batch of this dough is good for making a single gingerbread house measuring approximately 4” x 6” x 8” (with some extra available for accessories).
Wonderland Tip: Before making that first batch, decide on your design and cut the pattern out of parchment paper.

Baking Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350˚. 

  • Roll out 1/3 of the dough at a time between two pieces of wax paper until it’s a bit less than ¼-inch thick. 

  • Remove top sheet of wax paper and lay parchment pattern pieces on the dough, leaving at least ½ inch between pieces. Cut around the pattern pieces and remove leftovers (return extras to the refrigerator for the next round). 

  • Cover a cookie sheet with parchment. Flip the wax paper with gingerbread pieces over onto the cookie sheet and peel the wax paper off (may be reused for the next round). 

  • At this point, you can fill windows with crushed candy pieces, if desired; be sure not to skimp (you don’t want the windows to be too thin and fragile). 

  • Bake for eight to 10 minutes. 

  • Remove from oven and trim any rough edges while hot (this will allow pieces to fit together easily). Let cool until window candy is set. 

In a large bowl, cream the following:  

  • ½ cup shortening  

  • ½ cup sugar  

  • ½ cup molasses  

  • 1 egg

Sift together:  

  • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour  

  • ½ tsp each of baking soda & salt  

  • 1 tsp baking powder  

  • 1 ½ tsp each of powdered ginger & cinnamon  

  • ½ tsp each of nutmeg & cloves 

Add dry ingredients to creamed ingredients, and mix until well blended. Chill dough two hours or overnight.  

Trust us, you’ll be sorry if you use anything but the following recipe to glue your gingerbread wonder together!

Icing Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 egg whites  

  • 1 lb powdered sugar  

  • Dash of salt 

  • 1 tsp cream of tartar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation

  • Beat egg whites to a soft peak. 

  • Slowly add dry ingredients and vanilla, and beat until you see peaks that stand up on their own. 

  • Now go crazy and decorate your gingerbread creation with sweets!