Print

Mary Berry Gingerbread House Recipe

Mary Berry Gingerbread House recipe
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Mary Berry Gingerbread House is a festive bake made from spiced biscuit dough that is rolled, cut into panels, baked until firm, and assembled into a decorative house using royal icing. It features classic flavours like ginger, cinnamon, and golden syrup, giving it a holiday aroma and sturdy texture.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Dough

  • 375g plain flour – Forms the base of the dough.

  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda – Helps the dough rise slightly and stay firm.

  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger – Provides warm spice.

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds depth and aroma.

  • 125g unsalted butter – Gives richness and structure.

  • 175g light soft brown sugar – Sweetens and enhances colour.

  • 125g golden syrup – Binds the dough and adds chewiness.

  • 1 large egg – Helps bring the dough together.

For the Royal Icing (Edible Glue)

  • 1–2 egg whites – Creates a strong icing base.

  • 300–350g icing sugar – To achieve a thick, pipeable texture.

  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice – Gives stability and shine.

For Decoration

  • Smarties, mini marshmallows, candy canes, jelly sweets – For colour and detail.

  • Icing sugar (for dusting) – Creates a snowy finish.

  • Sprinkles or edible glitter – Adds festive sparkle.

Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the gingerbread dough

Mix flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl. In another pan, melt butter, sugar, and golden syrup. Cool slightly, then combine with dry ingredients and the egg. Knead into a smooth dough.

Step 2 — Chill the dough

Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent spreading during baking.

Step 3 — Roll and cut the panels

Roll the dough to 5mm thickness. Place your template pieces on top and cut out walls, roof panels, door, and chimney shapes.

Step 4 — Bake the gingerbread

Transfer to lined trays and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10–12 minutes, or until firm and golden. Cool completely so the pieces harden.

Step 5 — Prepare the royal icing

Whisk egg whites with icing sugar and lemon juice until thick, glossy, and pipeable. This will act as your glue.

Step 6 — Assemble the house

Pipe icing along the edges of the walls to attach them together. Hold in place for a minute, then allow to set for 10–15 minutes before adding the roof panels.

Step 7 — Decorate

Use icing to attach sweets, create snowy roofs, outline windows, and add festive details. Dust lightly with icing sugar for a wintery look.

Step 8 — Let the house dry

Allow the gingerbread house to set completely for at least 1–2 hours before moving.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-gingerbread-house/