Building a gingerbread house is one of the most fun and festive activities of the holiday season. Whether you are crafting a picture perfect centerpiece or creating a joyful mess with kids, a little planning goes a long way. Here are practical tips to help you build a gingerbread house that looks great and stays standing.
Start With a Solid Plan
Before you mix icing or open candy bags, decide what kind of house you want to make. A simple square house with a peaked roof is much easier than an elaborate castle. Sketch a quick outline or use a template so all your pieces fit together properly.
Bake Gingerbread That Is Sturdy
Gingerbread for houses should be firm, not soft. Roll the dough evenly so each piece bakes at the same thickness. Thinner walls break easily, while overly thick pieces can be heavy and hard to assemble. Let the baked pieces cool completely before moving them.
Trim While Still Warm
If any edges spread during baking, gently trim them with a sharp knife while the gingerbread is still slightly warm. Straight edges make a huge difference when it comes time to assemble the house.
Use Royal Icing as the Glue
Royal icing is the best adhesive for gingerbread houses. It dries hard and holds everything in place. Use a thick consistency for assembly so the walls do not slide. A piping bag or zip top bag with the corner snipped makes application easy and neat.
Let the Structure Set Before Decorating
This step requires patience but it is worth it. Assemble the walls first and let them dry for at least 30 minutes. Add the roof and let it set again before decorating. A sturdy base keeps the house from collapsing under the weight of candy.
Build on a Strong Base
Use a piece of cardboard, a cutting board, or a flat serving tray as your foundation. Secure the house to the base with icing so it does not shift while decorating or displaying.
Sort Candy Ahead of Time
Before decorating, sort candies into small bowls. This saves time and helps you design as you go. It also keeps little hands from eating all the best decorations before they make it onto the house.
Decorate With Intention
Start with larger pieces like doors, windows, and roof shingles, then fill in with smaller details. Symmetry looks nice, but playful creativity is just as charming. Remember that imperfections are part of the fun.
Keep It Fun and Stress Free
Not every gingerbread house needs to be a masterpiece. The goal is to enjoy the process, laugh at the crooked walls, and maybe sneak a piece of candy or two along the way.
With these tips, your gingerbread house will be sturdy, festive, and full of holiday spirit. Happy building and happy holidays.
