There’s nothing quite like a gingerbread house to get you in the holiday spirit. But what’s a gingerbread house without a good icing to hold it all together? This recipe for gingerbread house icing with meringue powder is the perfect solution.
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add the cream of tartar and mix well.
- Add the warm water and vanilla extract and beat on low speed for 1 minute.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 7-10 minutes, until the icing forms stiff peaks.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Use the icing to decorate your gingerbread house as desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 52
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 0g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
Serving Suggestions
This icing is perfect for decorating gingerbread houses, as well as sugar cookies and other holiday treats.
Variations
You can add food coloring to the icing to make it any color you like. You can also add flavor extracts, such as peppermint, almond, or lemon, for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
If you don’t have meringue powder, you can use egg whites instead. Use 2 large egg whites in place of the meringue powder and water. You can also use lemon juice in place of the cream of tartar.
Storage
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease, which can prevent the icing from forming stiff peaks.
- If the icing is too thick, add a little more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Notes
This recipe makes enough icing for one gingerbread house. If you need more, simply double or triple the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meringue powder?
Meringue powder is a mixture of dried egg whites, sugar, and other ingredients that is used in place of fresh egg whites in recipes like royal icing.
Can I use this icing on other holiday treats?
Absolutely! This icing is perfect for decorating sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and other holiday treats.
How long does the icing take to dry?
The icing will dry to the touch in about 15-20 minutes, but it will take several hours to fully harden. It’s best to let your gingerbread house sit overnight before handling it.
Personal Thoughts
This recipe for gingerbread house icing with meringue powder is one of my favorites. It’s easy to make, holds up well, and tastes great. Plus, it’s perfect for decorating all kinds of holiday treats. Give it a try and see for yourself!