Prepare the Gingerbread Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Molasses and Egg: Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.

Roll and Cut the Gingerbread

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut the House Pieces: Using a template or freehand, cut out pieces for the sides, roof, and front/back walls of the gingerbread house.
4. Bake: Place the gingerbread pieces on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned. Let the pieces cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the White Chocolate Icing

1. Mix Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until stiff peaks form.
2. Add White Chocolate: Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the royal icing to create a smooth, glossy texture.

Assemble the Gingerbread House

1. Start with the Base: Begin by attaching the walls of your gingerbread house together using the white chocolate icing as glue. Hold each piece in place for a few seconds to ensure it sticks.
2. Attach the Roof: Once the walls are secured, add the roof pieces. You may need to prop them up for a few minutes while the icing sets.
3. Let It Dry: Allow the house to dry for about 30 minutes to ensure it is sturdy enough for decorating.

Decorate Your Gingerbread House

1. Add Snow and Details: Use the white chocolate icing to create intricate designs on the house, like icicles or a frosty window effect. Dust with shredded coconut for “snow” on the roof and around the base.
2. Candy Time: Decorate the house with your choice of candies—gumdrops for windows, candy canes for a festive walkway, and chocolate chips for roof details.
3. Get Creative: Add marshmallows for “snowmen” or licorice for trim—let your imagination run wild!