To assemble the roof, work one side at a time. Squeeze icing along the top edges of the right side of the house and carefully place a single roof panels on top. Align it so that the upper edge of the roof meets the very center of the house. (There will be an overhang of 1/2 in.) Try using a prop (or recruiting another set of hands) to hold up the roof while it dries. Repeat with other side of the roof. Step 7: Add the Chimney While the gingerbread is cooling, make the royal icing: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on medium-low speed for 1 minute, until no lumps remain and mixture is shiny and glossy.

These crochet toys are not only cute and cuddly, but they’re also perfect for kids of all ages. They can be a great addition to a baby’s nursery or a fun gift for a young train enthusiast. Pro tip: Place a damp kitchen towel under your baking sheet to prevent it from slipping. Step 5: Cut the PiecesA fantastic focal point for the Christmas family table or a gift that keeps on giving, go for the gingerbread train for a great Christmas display in store. Included in the kit is everything you need to build and decorate your own classic Christmas gingerbread train, including having the design baked into the biscuit for easy piping! The Lidl kit was slightly pricier than the others, but the box was almost twice the size and it looked more impressive. We put off making this one until last because it looked so complicated. Beginning with the front panel of the house, squeeze a wide strip of icing onto the bottom edge. Position on the cookie base, about 3 in. from the front edge of the base. Prop it upright with spice jars for 2-3 minutes or until icing hardens. Step 4: Add Sides

Transfer ¼ of the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. This will be the icing to decorate the outside of the train. I should mention here that we bought all of these kits without reading the boxes first - and this was the first time we came to regret it. We realised we'd need an egg to make the icing and a piping bag. We had the first, not the latter - but we decided to give it a go anyway. Fill the decorating bag two-thirds full with icing. If you’ve made your royal icing in advance, give it beat with a hand mixer to restore its smooth, fluffy texture.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until even in color and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed. Form into a log. Cut into five equal pieces and wrap in plastic. Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Display and Enjoy: Once your gingerbread house is completely set and decorated, display it proudly as a centerpiece or festive decoration. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family during your holiday celebrations!

Decorating with icing: Use your icing to outline windows, doors and decorative elements. Adding extra icing to the seams provides a good base for adding candy. The icing also works well for adding snow to the roof or the yard (just use some water to thin it out!) Also, each child should plan to make one train car or engine. Trying to build an engine plus two cars (as you see in my photos) will take most kids longer than their interest will last. Christmas Train Supplies Our finished but rough-around-the-edges Asda gingerbread house before it collapsed (Image: Emily Collis/BirminghamLive) Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, there’s a pattern that’s just right for you. And don’t be afraid to try something new or experiment with different yarns and colors – that’s what makes each toy unique and special.