Garlands, decorated trees, candy canes, multicolored twinkle lights, fruitcake…there are some things that are automatically associated with Christmas. One of those things is gingerbread houses. Gingerbread houses have been around for centuries, descending from Medieval Europe where bakers used carved boards to create elaborate designs in bygone days.

Nuremberg, Germany was recognized as the Gingerbread Capital of the World in the 1600s, when master bakers and skilled workers created complicated works of art from gingerbread. In the 17^th century only professional gingerbread bakers were permitted to bake gingerbread except at Christmas, when anyone was allowed to bake it. Thankfully, today you can make a gingerbread house without fear of repercussion.

If you have never put together a gingerbread house, watch Martha Stewart build a classic gingerbread cottage out of caramelized sugar, gingerbread, and other sweet treats in this short video. First, you’ll need the recipe for making molasses gingerbread cookie dough, the “building blocks” of your gingerbread house. Next, you will need caramel syrup to serve as the “glue” to hold things together. Finally, you will use royal icing to attach the decorations to your gingerbread house.

Other things you will need to have on hand include:

• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• A rolling pin
• A pastry bag with an assortment of decorating tips
• A utility knife
• Parchment paper for baking sheets
• Clear rock candy
• A Silpat sheet
• Sanding sugar

Here is a step by step tutorial “how to” on assembling your snow-swept gingerbread cottage:

1. Once you’ve rolled, cut, and baked the cookie house’s walls, roof, and other details using our Snow-Swept Gingerbread Cottage Recipe, caramel syrup serves as the “glue.” To assemble: Dip one edge of front piece in caramel, and allow excess to drip off. Coat only the edge that will be joined.
2. Working quickly (before caramel hardens), join coated edge of front piece to a side piece, forming a corner; press firmly to adhere. Repeat with remaining side piece. Dip both edges of back piece in caramel; attach to side pieces.
3. Immediately attach roof pieces to the coated side pieces, making sure they are centered and evenly aligned.
4. To construct the chimney, brush edge of each piece with caramel, one at a time, then join together, pressing firmly and holding over caramel syrup pan to allow excess to drip off.
5. Once the four walls are attached, quickly brush caramel over exposed edges of both side pieces. (If caramel in pan begins to harden at any time, warm briefly on the stove.)
6. Dip angled end of chimney in caramel, then attach to roof, holding it firmly in place until secure. Attach door by dipping one edge in caramel and affixing to opening on one side, so door is ajar, holding it firmly in place until secure.

For photos illustrating the above steps, visit the Martha Stewart webpage here. Enjoy constructing (and eating) your gingerbread house!