55 Gingerbread House Ideas That'll Inspire You to Create an Epic Masterpiece
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There's no better time than the holidays to indulge in one of the best Christmas desserts: gingerbread cookies! And if you're a fan of sugar, spice and everything nice, then making gingerbread houses is sure to be high on your Christmas activity bucket list. After all, making gingerbread houses together as a family is fun and creative, and a great way to build memories one house at a time.
Start with the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen's recipe for gingerbread house cookie dough and royal icing, and from there you can go as traditional or as unique as you want. If you're looking for a little design inspiration, we've rounded up dozens of gingerbread house ideas that run the gamut from classic to modern. Whether you're a novice baker or an expert dessert aficionado, these sweet ideas are sure to help you build an epic gingerbread house this Christmas.
Prepare to top your gingerbread house with gumdrops, jelly beans, candy canes and a coating of powdered sugar snow. Whichever Christmas candy you chose, you're guaranteed to have a ton of fun making these sugary creations. So gather your favorite sweet treats and get decorating — then grab a mug of hot cocoa, kick back and marvel at your gingerbread masterpiece.
Rustic Gingerbread House
With red sour belt shingles and Tootsie Roll siding, this edible rustic log cabin sets the scene for the ultimate sugar-filled winter wonderland.
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Pastel Gingerbread House
This bright, pastel-roofed gingerbread house boasts plenty of color (while it lasts ... your kids are going to eat all of those petite candies!).
Sugar Stained Glass Gingerbread House
Take a basic gingerbread house to the next level with an edible sugar glass star and intricately piped icing decorations.
Gingerbread Barn
Cut out larger pieces of gingerbread to create a country-style gingerbread barn. Jelly beans and M&Ms complete the look.
Nuts for Gingerbread
Those without a strong sweet tooth will appreciate this house. Decorated with almonds, macadamias and walnuts, this gingerbread residence is packed with protein.
Gingerbread Cottage
Gingersnap cookies make for delicious shingles! Surround your creation with coconut "snow" and bottlebrush trees to create a cute holiday display.
Mini Bears Gingerbread House
With a peppermint window and a marshmallow roof, this house is (almost) too cute to eat.
Gingerbread House Cake Bombs
The only thing explosive about these cake bombs is the delicious taste of gingerbread cake beneath the icing shell.
Pink Gingerbread House
Create a fun modern color scheme with pink frosting and green sour straps. Peppermint candy shingles and candy cane siding add an extra fun touch.
Pretzel Gingerbread Cabin
Attach pretzel rods to the exterior of your gingerbread house with royal icing to create an edible log cabin!
Gingerbread Village
If you really want to go all out this Christmas, get to work on this epic gingerbread village — it makes for an impressive, sugary holiday centerpiece.
Edible Fairy House
No magic needed to make this house fit for a fairy — just some graham crackers and a fruit rollup.
Pink Gingerbread House
We bet this pretty and pink house would get Elle Woods' stamp of approval.
Nutty Gingerbread House
If you're already dreading the post-creation sugar high, then use an assortment of nuts and salty snacks in place of candy.
Funfetti Gingerbread House
This sugar cookie house is the product of "all things merry and bright."
Mini Gingerbread House
Star Wars Gingerbread House
May the forks be with you. Gift the Star Wars fan in your life with a baked treat fit for the big screen.
See more at Haniela's »
Vintage Gingerbread House
This Victorian-style toyshop is so life-like that there are even fondant toys tucked away inside.
Gingerbread Nativity Scene
With this tutorial, you can turn an afternoon craft into a teachable moment about the true meaning of Christmas quotes.
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