Nothing says the holidays quite like a festive gingerbread house! Whether you’re gathering as a family or challenging friends to see who can create the best candy castle, gingerbread houses are the perfect way to celebrate the season. In this post, we’ll walk you through all you need to know to create the ultimate gingerbread holiday house—from baking the perfect gingerbread to decorating like a pro.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you start assembling, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Gingerbread:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- For the Royal Icing (the “glue” for your house):
- 3 egg whites
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Gingerbread house template (print or draw your own)
- Piping bags or Ziploc bags
- Assorted candies for decoration (gumdrops, candy canes, licorice, sprinkles, etc.)
- Toothpicks (for precision work)
Step 2: Bake the Gingerbread
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and molasses until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet until a dough forms.
- Chill and Roll: Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for about an hour. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut Your Pieces: Using your gingerbread template, cut out walls, roof panels, and any other fun shapes. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Let the pieces cool completely before assembly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Gingerbread House
- Prepare the Royal Icing: Whisk egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar until thick. The consistency should be stiff to hold the gingerbread together.
- Build the Structure: Start by attaching the walls to the base. Use a piping bag to pipe a thick line of icing on the edges of each wall, holding them together for about a minute until set. Let the structure sit for 10-15 minutes before attaching the roof to make sure it’s stable.
Step 4: Decorate Like a Pro
Here’s the fun part—decorating! Some tips to make your gingerbread house shine:
- Use Different Textures: Mix up the candies you use—gumdrops for the roof, licorice for the edges, and powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Create Windows and Doors: Pipe windows using icing and add a small chocolate or candy for doorknobs. You can also make stained glass windows by melting crushed hard candies in the window cutouts while baking.
- Add Personal Touches: Get creative with decorations like pretzel sticks for fences or shredded coconut for snow-covered roofs.
Tips for Success
- Let It Set: Give each step time to set properly. Building a sturdy base is key, so resist the urge to rush.
- Fix Mistakes Easily: If pieces break, don’t worry! Use royal icing like glue to put them back together.
- Make It a Family Affair: Set up a decorating station and let everyone get involved. This makes for great holiday memories and lots of laughter.
Show Off Your Creations!
We’d love to see what you create! Share your gingerbread houses with us on Instagram by tagging @GrubTogether and using the hashtag #GrubTogetherHolidays. Let’s spread some holiday cheer with your amazing creations!
Building a gingerbread house isn’t just about the final result—it’s about the joy of creating together. Whether your house is a perfect masterpiece or a charming mess, the time spent baking and decorating with family and friends makes it all worthwhile. Ready to get started?
You can also buy a Gingerbread House Kit just CLICK HERE