Gingerbread Halloween House

Gingerbread Haunted Halloween House

Get step-by-step instructions including how-to photos for making a spooktacular Halloween house with gingerbread, icing, and candy.

Gingerbread Dough

1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups molasses
6 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 cups whole wheat flour

Decorations

20 to 25 butterscotch hard candies, crushed
1 recipe Chocolate Royal Icing
10 ounces chocolate-flavor candy coating, chopped
1 tablespoon shortening
Tiny pretzel twists (optional)
Creme-filled rolled wafer cookies, such as Pirouette brand
Shredded wheat crackers
Assorted licorice candies
Chocolate candy bars
Candy corn

Chocolate Royal Icing:

In a large bowl combine 4-1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar. Add 1/2 cup warm water. Beat on high speed with an electric mixer for 10 to 12 minutes or until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Tint frosting with brown gel paste food-coloring to desired shade. If desired, add black and red gel paste food-coloring as necessary to make frosting a rich brown color. Keep icing covered with plastic wrap when not in use. Makes 3 cups icing.