German Gingerbread House with Royal Icing Decorations

**Gingerbread Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.

Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

**Cutting and Baking:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Place your gingerbread house templates (walls, roof, etc.) on the dough and cut around them with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Carefully transfer the cut pieces to the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly golden brown. Larger pieces may require slightly longer baking time.

Let the pieces cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Repeat with the remaining dough. Any scraps can be re-rolled and baked for cookies!

**Royal Icing:** In a large bowl, beat together the royal icing sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until stiff peaks form. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, if the icing is too thick. Do not overmix.

Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring, if desired.

Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with various tips for decorating.

**Assembly:** Place one wall of the house on your work surface. Pipe a generous amount of royal icing along the bottom edge and one side edge of the base.

Attach the side walls. Hold the pieces in place for a few minutes until the icing begins to set.

Pipe icing along the top edges of the walls and attach the roof pieces.

Allow the assembled house to dry completely for at least 2-3 hours before decorating. An overnight dry is recommended.

**Decorating:** Use royal icing to attach candies, sprinkles, and other decorations to the house.

Get creative and have fun! Pipe icicles along the roof, create windows with melted sugar, and add a gingerbread person in the yard.