Method

Before you start, sketch and cut out a template for your house. Ensure that it will fit in your oven trays. Next think about what design elements you’d like, such as windows and doors. Put to one side, as you’ll need them later.
Begin by mixing together the dry ingredients (except the brown sugar) in a large bowl.
In a standing mixer, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar. Gradually add the Clarence Court Eggs one at a time, while continuing to mix. Slowly add the golden syrup.
Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined, gradually add the dry ingredients while continuing to mix the batter. Once you have obtained a smooth dough, separate it into a few manageable pieces then cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the royal icing. Beat the egg whites until light and foamy, then gradually add the lemon juice and sifted icing sugar until soft and creamy.
Once the dough is rested, roll out the pieces onto flour-dusted parchment paper to ½ cm thickness. Any thinner and it may break when assembling the house. Place the gingerbread house templates over the rolled-out dough and use a sharp knife to cut around the template.
Once the main wall pieces are cut and textured, cut out the windows and doors. Add any trimmings you may want, such as windowsills, then it’s time to bake.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes and leave to cool completely before assembling. It is better to overcook than undercook as it will make it studier.
To assemble your gingerbread house, pipe icing along the base and press the first wall into it. Hold it here for a while as the icing will harden, keeping the wall in place. You can use two glasses to help secure the wall. Repeat this process for the rest of the walls, using a thick line of icing down the sides of the walls to join.
Before securing the final wall, you can add some extra elements that you would like inside the house, such as a mini Christmas tree. If you want to add ‘glass effect’ windows, you can use sheets of gelatin and stick them down with some icing. Once done, add the final wall and the roof.
Now it’s time for decorating! Use icing and powdered sugar as snow, this can help to cover any imperfections. Keep it simple with a small wreath or get creative with candy, it’s entirely up to you. Finally, add any ‘outdoor’ elements such as trees or reindeer and you have the ultimate Christmas gingerbread house.

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