Making Your Own Gingerbread House

Mother and daughter decorating gingerbread house at home for Christmas.

People await Christmas more than any other holiday of the year. It isn’t just young children who get excited about this holiday. Rather, people of all ages gear up with excitement for Dec. 25. Leading up to the big day; it’s fun to participate in some activities. These include watching holiday movies, making cookies, visiting family members, and shopping for gifts. Moreover, you may have making gingerbread houses on your list of things to do. This year, instead of buying a pre-made kit at the store, you can make one from scratch. Follow some steps to make the gingerbread house.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Be aware that making a gingerbread house from scratch will take more time and effort than using a kit. However, the results are worth it, and you can have an enjoyable time making this festive creation. Begin by checking what ingredients you will need to make the gingerbread. You may already have some of these items in your kitchen. Here’s what to get:

  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • A large egg, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • 1/2 cup of unsulphured dark molasses
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • Assorted candies
  • Royal icing

For the Buttercream

Importantly, you’ll need to make buttercream frosting for the gingerbread house. This will help keep it together. Moreover, it adds another decorative element to the house. The following ingredients will make your frosting:

  • 1/2 cup of shortening (room temperature)
  • 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons of milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon of salt

Making the Pieces

You’ll want to make the cookie dough by mixing the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and allspice in a large bowl. Then, in a large bowl, mix the other ingredients for the cookies. Next, add the dry ingredients until the mixture is thick. Then divide the dough in half, flatten it into 4- to 5-inch discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. You should then chill them in the fridge for two hours. Follow the process carefully so you can make sturdy pieces for your house.

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Finishing Up

Lastly, take the house pieces out of the fridge and bake them on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees. You should bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You will then put the pieces together according to the template you have created or chosen. Top with the candies of your choice for decorations.

This fun homemade gingerbread house can be an enjoyable holiday activity. Make the houses today so you can admire them throughout the Christmas season.

Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.