Step 1

In a saucepan add the butter, syrup, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Place over medium heat until the butter has melted and the ingredients are combined.

Step 2

In a large bowl add the flour, the melted butter mixture and the milk. Fold the ingredients together using a wooden spoon. Cover and place in the fridge for at least four hours to rest and firm up.

Step 3

After four hours remove the gingerbread dough from the fridge. Place about a cup of gingerbread dough between two sheets of non stick paper and roll out to about 1/2 cm / 1/4" thick.

Step 4

Using the printable templates cut out the gingerbread pieces using a sharp knife. Place on a baking sheet and into the fridge for 30 minutes to firm back up.

Step 5

Place the gingerbread pieces into a 180C / 350F oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to brown. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6

To make the royal icing place the egg whites and powdered sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer or a medium sized bowl if you are using a hand mixer.

Step 7

Beat on medium speed for 5-8 minutes until thick and bright white.

Step 8

Fill a piping bag with a small round tip with the royal icing. Cover the remaining icing to stop it drying out.

Step 9

Decorate the gingerbread house pieces with the royal icing. Leave to set for about 6 hours. This is much easier doing it now while the pieces are flat rather than when the house is assembled.

Step 10

To assemble the house start with the four walls. Pipe lines of royal icing on each side and stick the walls together. Use cups or mugs to support the walls while the icing dries and hardens, this will take about 4 hours.

Step 11

Pipe the royal icing over the top of the walls where the roof will meet. Pipe the edges of the roof and stick it to the house. Again use cups or mugs to support the weight of the roof until the icing has completely dried.

Step 12

Pipe the bottom of the chimney pieces and stick them to the top of the house, followed by the side pieces. Pipe the bottom and side of the door to stick down, leaving it as opened or closed as you want. Leave the house to completely dry overnight.

Step 13

Decorate the outside of the house using gingerbread men or trees or cinnamon sticks to look like wood. For a snow appearance use any leftover royal icing and spread it over the base outside the house. Once dry dust the whole house with powdered sugar.