How to make the best Christmas gingerbread house

Christmas gingerbread house recipe

Ingredients

• 120g unsalted butter, softened
  
• 200g brown sugar
• 120g golden syrup
• 1 (60g) egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla paste
• 420g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 mixed spice

Method

1. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the golden syrup and continue mixing until it's combined and creamy.
2. Scrape the mixture off the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla paste. Mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, ginger powder and mixed spice. 
4. On a low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Do not overmix. 
5. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest. 
6. Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it in between two sheets of non-stick baking powder. 
7. Using a stencil, cut out the shapes for your gingerbread house. Bake in preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes.
8. While the gingerbread bakes, make your icing. Beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until frothy. Add the sifted icing sugar. Beat on low speed until combined, appearing smooth and shiny. Turn the beater to a high setting for about five minutes until stiff and glossy.
9. When the gingerbread is done, allow biscuits to cool for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack. 
10. Put together your gingerbread house, starting with a corner. Be sure to ice the inside and outside for stability.