No-Fuss Gingerbread House

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Step 1

Start by covering a piece of heavy cardboard with aluminum foil or freezer paper (shiny side down) to create a sturdy base for your gingerbread house. Next, cut out templates for each part of the house from sturdy cardboard or cardstock, and label them so you know which piece is which.

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Step 2

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease three baking sheets—if you don’t have rimless ones, just use the back of regular ones. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, molasses, and dark corn syrup, stirring until everything is smooth and combined (about 3 minutes). Then add the lemon zest and all your spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and mace—and stir for another couple of minutes before taking the pan off the heat.

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Step 3

Sift the flour into a big bowl, then gradually mix it into the warm butter mixture, two cups at a time. When you get to the last two cups, use your hands to knead it all into a firm dough. Take a handful of dough, place it on a greased baking sheet, and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick. Keep the rest covered so it doesn’t dry out.

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Step 4

Lightly flour your cardboard templates and place them on the rolled-out dough. Carefully cut around each shape with a sharp knife, and feel free to cut out windows, doors, or other details. Use scraps to cut smaller decorations like shutters or door knobs, then gather up the remaining dough and keep it covered.

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Step 5

Bake the pieces until they’re firm and just starting to brown around the edges—small pieces will take about 5 to 7 minutes, larger ones closer to 12 to 15. Once baked, place your templates back on the warm gingerbread and trim any rough edges to get clean lines. Let the pieces cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 6

To make the royal icing, beat together confectioners' sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and a splash of white vinegar until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks—it usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes with a mixer. Use this icing like glue to stick candies and decorations onto your gingerbread pieces. Let the icing set for a few minutes before assembling the house, and then give it some time to dry and harden so your gingerbread creation stays sturdy.