Nothing screams Christmas quite like gingerbread houses. These festive treats are not only fun to make, but they also make for a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table. However, building a gingerbread house can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to making sure all the pieces stick together. That’s where royal icing comes in. This sweet and strong icing is the perfect adhesive to hold your gingerbread house together. In this article, we’ll be sharing a royal icing recipe that’s perfect for gingerbread houses.
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pound of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they become stiff.
- Add the powdered sugar and cream of tartar to the egg whites and continue to beat until the icing becomes thick and glossy.
- Your royal icing is now ready to use.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 30
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 2mg
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 0g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
Royal icing is primarily used as an adhesive for gingerbread houses. However, you can also use it to decorate your gingerbread house or other Christmas treats.
Variations
You can add food coloring to your royal icing to make it more festive. You can also add different flavors, such as peppermint or cinnamon, to give your icing a unique taste.
Substitutions
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar.
Storage
Store your royal icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If the icing becomes too thick, you can add a few drops of water to thin it out.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until they become stiff. This will make your icing stronger and more adhesive.
- If you’re using your royal icing to decorate your gingerbread house, make sure to let it dry completely before handling your house.
- If you’re having trouble getting your icing to stick, you can use a glue gun to hold your gingerbread pieces together.
Notes
Royal icing can be quite sweet, so make sure to use it sparingly. You can always make more icing if you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use royal icing to decorate my gingerbread house?
Yes, royal icing is perfect for decorating your gingerbread house. You can use it to create snow or icicles on the roof, or to pipe designs onto your house.
Can I use royal icing for other Christmas treats?
Yes, royal icing can be used to decorate other Christmas treats, such as sugar cookies or cupcakes.
Can I make royal icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make royal icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Personal Thoughts
Building a gingerbread house is a Christmas tradition that I look forward to every year. However, I always struggled with making sure all the pieces stuck together. That’s why I love using royal icing. Not only does it hold everything together, but it also adds a festive touch to my gingerbread house. This recipe is easy to follow and produces an icing that’s strong and sweet. I highly recommend giving it a try.
In conclusion, royal icing is the perfect adhesive for your gingerbread house. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a sweet and strong foundation for your festive creation. Happy baking!