The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than by baking up a storm in the kitchen? One of our favorite holiday traditions is building gingerbread houses with friends and family. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter as we work together to create these edible masterpieces is truly magical.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 festive gingerbread house recipes that are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday gatherings. From classic designs with royal icing to modern twists featuring nutella frosting and edible gold accents, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for inspiration, these recipes will guide you in creating the most stunning gingerbread house of the season.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of gingerbread wonder!
Classic Gingerbread House with Royal Icing
Create a magical holiday centerpiece with this classic gingerbread house recipe and royal icing. Perfect for the whole family to make together!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 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 (recipe below)
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.
3. In a separate 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. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into shapes for the gingerbread house (e.g., rectangles, triangles, and squares).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Royal Icing:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
Mix powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.
Gingerbread House with Peppermint Roof
Get ready to create a festive holiday treat that’s sure to impress! This recipe combines the classic flavors of gingerbread and peppermint to make a show-stopping house that’s perfect for snacking or displaying.
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
– Peppermint extract (optional)
– Royal icing and decorations of your choice
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 together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for your house.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Assembly:
1. Allow gingerbread to cool completely.
2. Make royal icing according to package instructions.
3. Assemble the house by gluing the pieces together with royal icing.
4. Decorate with your favorite decorations, including a peppermint roof!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread House
Create a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday gathering with this sweet and spicy treat. This recipe combines the classic flavors of gingerbread and chocolate for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons 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 brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– White chocolate chips or white candy melts
– Dark chocolate chips or dark candy melts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
6. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Dip cooled gingerbread houses into melted white chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
8. Place dipped houses on parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
9. Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
10. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled white chocolate-coated gingerbread houses.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Gingerbread House Cookies
Create adorable mini gingerbread houses that are perfect for snacking or decorating. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great activity for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– Water, as needed
– Confectioners’ sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool before decorating.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Candy Cane Fence
This recipe combines the classic holiday treat of gingerbread houses with a fun twist – a candy cane fence! Perfect for a festive gathering or as a special treat for the kids, this sweet creation is sure to bring joy to all who see it.
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
– Water, as needed
– Royal icing and candy canes for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Add butter, white granulated sugar, and light brown sugar; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut out shapes for the house and fence.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow to cool completely before decorating with royal icing and candy canes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe
This recipe brings together the warmth of gingerbread and the fun of building a house – all without compromising your dietary preferences! With this vegan gingerbread house recipe, you’ll create a delightful edible structure perfect for snacking or decorating.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup non-dairy butter, softened (such as Earth Balance)
– 2 tablespoons soy milk or other non-dairy milk
– Royal icing ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add softened non-dairy butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually add soy milk, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house (walls, roof, doors, etc.).
5. 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.
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
Mix powdered sugar and non-dairy milk until smooth. Use to assemble and decorate your vegan gingerbread house!
Gluten-Free Gingerbread House
Create a show-stopping holiday centerpiece with this gluten-free gingerbread house recipe. Perfect for a festive gathering or special treat, it’s easy to make and fun for all ages!
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
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Royal icing and decorations (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, molasses, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Gradually add eggs and mix until combined.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for the house and decorations (if using).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Marshmallow Snow
Create a sweet and cozy winter wonderland by building a gingerbread house with marshmallow snow. This classic holiday treat is sure to delight both kids and adults.
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
– Royal icing (homemade or store-bought)
– Marshmallows
– Confectioners’ sugar
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 and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes for the house and decorations.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Assemble the house using royal icing as “glue.”
8. Create marshmallow snow by piping confectioners’ sugar onto a surface. Shape into a snow-like texture.
9. Decorate the gingerbread house with marshmallow snow and any additional decorations you like.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch of gingerbread shapes
Gingerbread House with Gumdrop Decorations
Create a festive holiday treat with this classic gingerbread house recipe, topped off with colorful gumdrop decorations.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 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
– Gumdrops (various colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead until smooth. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place on baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
6. To assemble the house, use royal icing (or any edible adhesive) to attach walls and roof together. Decorate with gumdrops and let dry.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
Gingerbread House with White Chocolate Drizzle
Create a stunning gingerbread house with a sweet and creamy white chocolate drizzle to impress your friends and family.
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
– White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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.
4. Beat in eggs and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes for the house.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow to cool completely before assembling and drizzling with white chocolate.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Caramel-Glazed Gingerbread House
Elevate your holiday entertaining with this show-stopping gingerbread house, infused with the warmth of ginger and caramel. Perfect for a festive gathering or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 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
– 2 large eggs
– Caramel glaze (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, cloves, 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 just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow to cool completely before glazing with caramel.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gingerbread House with Pretzel Logs
Combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with the salty crunch of pretzels to create a unique and delicious holiday treat. This recipe is perfect for a fun and festive activity with family or friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons 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 brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– Pretzel rods, for decoration
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 brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
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 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for your gingerbread house. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow to cool completely before decorating with pretzel logs and your favorite icing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Gingerbread House with Cinnamon Dusting
Gather your holiday cheer and create a show-stopping Spiced Gingerbread House, perfect for the season’s festivities. This classic treat is elevated by a warm cinnamon dusting, adding depth and complexity to its rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 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
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Cinnamon powder, for dusting
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, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, 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 just combined.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters or shapes to create gingerbread pieces.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool completely before assembling the house.
9. Dust with cinnamon powder before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Gingerbread House with Fondant Decorations
Create a festive holiday treat with this classic gingerbread house recipe paired with fondant decorations. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons 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
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Fondant (white or colored)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate 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 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house and decorations.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Assemble house using royal icing as “glue.” Decorate with fondant as desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread House with Cookie Window Panes
Create a whimsical gingerbread house with adorable cookie window panes, perfect for the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying your very own sweet abode in no time!
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
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Cookie dough for window panes (recipe below)
Cookie Window Pane Dough:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. 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 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for the house and window panes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely before assembling.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes (including baking time)
Gingerbread House with M&M Pathway
Create a whimsical holiday treat that’s perfect for the whole family. This recipe combines classic gingerbread house making with a colorful twist using M&M’s.
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 (store-bought or homemade)
– M&M’s (assorted colors)
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 dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes for the gingerbread house.
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 M&M’s.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes, including baking time.
Gingerbread House with Coconut Snow Roof
Create a whimsical winter wonderland with this sweet and spicy gingerbread house recipe, topped with a fluffy coconut snow roof that’s sure to impress!
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 brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 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 the house.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
8. Top with shredded coconut and decorate as desired.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes (including baking time)
Gingerbread House with Nutella Frosting
Get ready to build a sweet tradition this holiday season! This recipe combines the classic gingerbread house with the richness of Nutella frosting, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread:
– 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, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
For the Nutella Frosting:
– 1 cup Nutella
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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 salt. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for house and decorations.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm to the touch. Let cool completely.
5. In a bowl, whisk together Nutella, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth. Assemble and decorate gingerbread house with frosting.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (including baking time)
Gingerbread House with Edible Gold Accents
Create a luxurious holiday treat by decorating your gingerbread house with edible gold accents. This recipe yields a classic gingerbread cookie base, perfect for crafting into a festive abode.
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 gold dust or gold leaf (for decorating)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes for your house.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Decorate with edible gold dust or gold leaf as desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Gingerbread House with Almond Bark Shingles
Create a festive holiday centerpiece with this classic gingerbread house recipe, topped with delicious and easy-to-make almond bark shingles.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Almond bark (white or milk chocolate), melted
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
– Candy decorations (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, and cloves.
3. In a separate 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 to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
7. Melt almond bark and spread over cooled gingerbread pieces, creating shingles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (plus cooling time)
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 festive gingerbread house recipes! From classic designs to creative twists, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a traditional gingerbread house with royal icing or get adventurous with chocolate-dipped, peppermint-roofed, and candy cane-fenced creations. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just looking for a fun holiday activity, these recipes are sure to bring joy and magic to your season.