You will need a pattern for the house. You can design your own or purchase one in a kitchen specialty shop.

Gingerbread House Dough with Royal Icing

5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Royal Icing:

3 large egg whites, at room temperature (see Food Safety)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar (4 cups)
Assorted food coloring

Assorted candies for decoration

1. In medium bowl combine first 6 ingredients, mixing well. Set aside.
2. In large bowl cream shortening and sugar with electric mixer until light
   and fluffy. Add egg, molasses and vinegar; beating until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until just mixed.
3. Roll dough out on a lightly floured parchment paper to 1/8-inch thickness.
4. Lay pattern pieces for house on dough and cut around them. Remove scraps and gently slide parchment paper with pieces of house onto baking sheet.
5. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet 3 or 4 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
6. For Royal Icing: Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl at medium speed of an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add sugar, mixing well. Beat 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Tint with desired food colors.

Note: Icing dries very quickly; keep covered at all times with plastic wrap.