As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to think about our favorite traditions – and for many, that includes baking festive treats. Among those, none are more beloved than gingerbread houses. With their warm spices, sweet aromas, and whimsical designs, these edible masterpieces bring joy to people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll share 19 creative and delicious gingerbread house recipes to inspire your holiday baking. From classic recipes with royal icing to modern twists featuring candy canes, marshmallows, and more, there’s something for every skill level and taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, get ready to deck the halls (and your kitchen counters!) with these festive gingerbread house ideas.
Classic Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Create a festive holiday centerpiece with this classic gingerbread house recipe paired with royal icing. A timeless tradition that’s sure to delight both kids and adults!
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
For the Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house and decorations.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
6. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Gingerbread House Cookies
These adorable cookies are perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With their soft texture and warm spices, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade) for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (houses, trees, or other festive designs).
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread House
This festive recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread with the richness of chocolate, creating a stunning holiday centerpiece that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this sweet and spicy delight in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of gingerbread house mix
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of white chocolate chips
– 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Decorations of your choice (e.g., candies, sprinkles, icing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare the gingerbread house mix according to package instructions.
2. Assemble and bake the gingerbread house for 25-30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Dip the top of the cooled gingerbread house into the melted white chocolate, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
5. Melt dark chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl and dip the sides of the gingerbread house into the chocolate.
6. Decorate with your choice of toppings and let set before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes for gingerbread, approximately 15 minutes per dipping step (total)
Gingerbread House with Candy Cane Roof
Create a festive holiday centerpiece with this classic gingerbread house recipe topped with a colorful candy cane roof. Perfect for entertaining and making memories with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (recipe below)
– Candy canes, crushed or whole
– Decorations of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes for the house and decorations.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
9. Allow to cool completely before assembling with royal icing.
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
Mix until smooth, adding more water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Snow-Covered Gingerbread House
Create a magical winter wonderland with this charming gingerbread house recipe. Perfect for the holiday season, this treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to create desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Assemble house and decorate with royal icing and confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Marshmallow Snow
Create a whimsical holiday treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! This recipe combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with the sweetness of marshmallows, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Marshmallows (various sizes)
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow houses to cool completely before assembling with royal icing and decorating with marshmallows.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Gumdrop Decorations
Build a sweet holiday tradition with this classic gingerbread house recipe, topped with colorful gumdrop decorations!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out shapes for the house and decorations.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Decorate with gumdrops, icing, and other festive treats to create your own unique gingerbread house masterpiece!
Gluten-Free Gingerbread House
Create a festive and delicious gingerbread house with this simple recipe, perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to create shapes for the house.
5. Place shapes on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
6. Allow gingerbread pieces to cool completely before assembling and decorating with royal icing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Gingerbread House with Almond Icing
Create a stunning vegan gingerbread house with a rich almond icing, perfect for the holiday season. This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter (softened)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup golden syrup
– 2 large eggs, replaced by 2 flax eggs*
– Almond icing ingredients: 1 cup powdered almonds, 2 tablespoons almond milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and ground ginger.
3. Add softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and golden syrup. Mix until combined.
4. Replace eggs with flax eggs- and mix well.
5. Divide dough into three equal parts and roll out each part to 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Assemble the house and bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.
7. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before decorating with almond icing.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
*To replace eggs, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Gingerbread House with Pretzel Fence
Create a whimsical winter wonderland with this delightful gingerbread house recipe, topped off with a pretzel fence for added crunch and charm. Perfect for the holiday season or as a fun activity with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups brown sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 eggs
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Pretzel rods, for fence
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together butter, sugar, flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to create desired shapes.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool completely.
6. Assemble the house using royal icing and pretzel rods for the fence.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Chocolate Windows
Build a sweet and festive holiday treat with this classic gingerbread house recipe featuring chocolate windows that add an extra layer of decadence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Dark chocolate chips or candy melts for windows
– Decorations of your choice (e.g., candies, sprinkles)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Let cool completely.
7. Assemble and decorate with royal icing and chocolate windows.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, including baking time.
Gingerbread House with Peppermint Pathway
Gingerbread houses are a holiday classic, and adding a refreshing peppermint pathway takes them to the next level. This recipe is perfect for making memories with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (see below)
– Peppermint candies or crushed candy canes for pathway
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house and pathway.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool completely.
7. Assemble house using royal icing as “glue.”
8. Create peppermint pathway by spreading royal icing on a piece of parchment paper, then sprinkling with crushed candy canes.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Gingerbread House with Edible Glitter
Create a magical Gingerbread House with Edible Glitter that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Edible glitter (various colors)
– Royal icing (homemade or store-bought)
– Candy canes, gumdrops, and other decorations (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for your gingerbread house.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing and decorating with edible glitter and candies.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Fondant Details
Create a magical gingerbread house with fondant details that will impress your friends and family. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Fondant (white or colored), for details
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm.
7. Allow to cool completely before decorating with fondant.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Candy Mosaic
Create a whimsical holiday centerpiece with this show-stopping gingerbread house recipe, topped with a colorful candy mosaic. Perfect for the festive season, this sweet treat is sure to impress friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Candy melts and small candies for mosaic design
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a large baking sheet.
2. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes (houses, trees, etc.).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow to cool completely before assembling with royal icing and decorating with candy mosaic.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gingerbread House with Coconut Snow
Create a magical holiday treat by building a gingerbread house and topping it with fluffy coconut snow. This recipe is perfect for families or friends looking to get into the festive spirit.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Coconut flakes, for snow
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the gingerbread house.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Top with coconut flakes to resemble snow.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours (including baking time)
Gingerbread House with Rainbow Sprinkles
Create a whimsical holiday centerpiece with this easy-to-make gingerbread house recipe, topped with vibrant rainbow sprinkles.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons water
– Rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together brown sugar, molasses, and butter until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs and water until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes for the house (e.g., rectangles, triangles, and squares).
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
9. Allow to cool completely before decorating with rainbow sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Gingerbread House with Caramel Drizzle
Create a festive and delicious holiday treat with this gingerbread house recipe, topped with a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Caramel drizzle (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for your gingerbread house.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Let cool completely.
Caramel Drizzle:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramel turns golden brown. Pour over cooled gingerbread house.
Gingerbread House with Cinnamon Stick Chimney
Create a festive holiday centerpiece with this classic gingerbread house recipe, topped with a whimsical cinnamon stick chimney.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Cinnamon sticks, for chimney
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If too sticky, add water as needed.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to create shapes for the house and chimney.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely before assembling and decorating with royal icing.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including cooling time)
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 19 festive gingerbread house recipes! From classic designs to creative twists, there’s something for every baker. Make a traditional gingerbread house with royal icing or try mini cookies, chocolate-dipped goodness, or add some candy cane flair. For a snowy touch, use marshmallows or coconut flakes. Get crafty with gumdrop decorations, edible glitter, or fondant details. And don’t forget the gluten-free and vegan options! With these recipes, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with your holiday baking creations.
