Name: Gingerbread House
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 6 3/4 cups all purpose flour; 4 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 1/2 cups solid vegetable shortening; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup robust (dark) molasses; 1 roll kitchen parchment (at least 10 yards long — sold at cookware stores and at some supermarkets); 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter for roof tiles; Assorted cookie cutters (such as Christmas tree, gingerbread man, and star); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 6 cardboard sheets (about 15 X 15 inches); Waxed paper

This image may contain Food Cookie Biscuit Gingerbread Birthday Cake Dessert Cake and Toy

If you set aside several hours on three days to make the house, that will allow plenty of time for all the icing to set firmly and plenty of time for you to have some fun. The completed house can stand for up to one month.

Editor's notes:

• If concerned about salmonella, use egg white poweder instead of egg whites.
• For best results, bake gingerbread on very flat baking sheets.
• Let gingerbread cool and stiffen on baking sheet before transferring to rack to cool completely.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

41 Ways to Make Gingerbread
What else that makes for good building and cookie material?

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

41 Ways to Make Gingerbread