How to Make Icing for Gingerbread HouseGingerbread houses are a delightful and festive holiday tradition. One of the key elements in constructing a gingerbread house is the icing. The icing not only acts as a glue to hold the walls and decorations together, but it also adds a beautiful finishing touch to the gingerbread house. If you are wondering how to make the perfect icing for your gingerbread house, look no further. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make icing that is sturdy, easy to work with, and delicious.
Ingredients for Gingerbread House Icing
Before we dive into the steps, let's gather all the ingredients you will need to make the icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup warm water
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps on how to make the icing for your gingerbread house:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the vanilla extract and warm water to the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. The icing should be thick and smooth.
- If the icing is too thick, add a little more warm water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up.
- Once the icing is ready, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. This will make it easier to apply the icing to the gingerbread house.
- Start assembling your gingerbread house by piping a thick line of icing along the edges of the walls and roof. Press the pieces together firmly to ensure they stick together.
- Continue decorating your gingerbread house by piping icing onto the walls and roof to create designs and attach edible decorations such as candy canes, gumdrops, and sprinkles.
- Allow the icing to dry and harden completely before moving or handling the gingerbread house. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the humidity in your area.
And there you have it! You now know how to make the perfect icing for your gingerbread house. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine while decorating your gingerbread masterpiece. Happy holidays!