Homemade Gingerbread House Ideas to Try This Holiday Season

Posted: December 10, 2022 3:00 am

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means it’s time to do all the holiday baking we love so much! From cookies to pies, cakes, and breads, holiday baking is one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just a fan of all the delicious treats, nothing is quite as festive as a kitchen full of delicious smells. So get your aprons on and get ready to make some of your favorite holiday treats because we’re going to tackle one of the pillars of the holiday baking season – the gingerbread house.

Your Homemade Gingerbread House Doesn’t Need to Be a House

Making a homemade gingerbread house doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it also doesn’t necessarily have to fit into the proverbial box of being a “house.” It can be anything, really, and with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to constructing a masterpiece of your own.

So when we’re talking about the gingerbread “house,” we’re really talking about gingerbread structures, but referring to these delectable, architectural baking delights as gingerbread structures just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Build whatever you want to build. The truth is, creating your structure is the easy part. It might invoke some inner frustration if the icing doesn’t hold as strong as you’d like, but besides that, making your gingerbread house or gingerbread log cabin or gingerbread truck or gingerbread church or gingerbread synagogue is the fun part. Baking the gingerbread and cutting our the walls and floors and ceilings? It can be challenging. But don’t let that stop you! Take the extra time to make your own gingerbread house because it will not only check off that baking bucket list item, it may also be very rewarding. If there are kids in your life, invite them to help decorate.

So without further ado, here are some of the best gingerbread structure recipes out there!

Classic Gingerbread House

Ah, the tried and true gingerbread house. You just can’t go wrong with a classic. Four walls, a roof, and a front lawn for the gingerbread snowman. There is elegance in simplicity, and the classic gingerbread house is a holiday tradition that has been around for centuries. It is a timeless classic that can be made in many different shapes and sizes. With a gingerbread dough that is baked and then assembled with icing and candy pieces to create a festive and fun house, it is a fun activity for families to work together to create something special, and a delicious treat to enjoy afterwards. There is something special about the classic gingerbread house that will never go out of style, making it a holiday favorite for years to come.

Gingerbread Church

The gingerbread church is a unique and delicious holiday treat that has been around for about as long as the gingerbread house. This classic confection is made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, and spices, and is typically formed into a small church-like structure. It is often decorated with colorful icing and candy decorations, of course, and is a favorite of kids and adults alike. The gingerbread church is a popular item to make and share during the holiday season, and its delicious flavor and festive appearance make it a beloved tradition.

Gingerbread Castle

We lost a good one in 2022, but Queen Elizabeth’s memory will go on eternally. If you are a fan of the royal family and are looking for gingerbread house alternatives this year, why not piece together a gingerbread castle with royal icing? The gingerbread castle ranks high on the gingerbread structure difficulty scale, but if you’re a master baker (or think you have enough kitchen talent that you could at least compete on “Nailed It”), this could be the project for you. Whether it’s King Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth II that you’re looking to replicate, a gingerbread castle can be an incredible way to pay homage to the monarchy.

Gingerbread Wreath

As an alternative to the gingerbread castle and scoring relatively low on the gingerbread structure difficulty scale, try your hand at the gingerbread wreath. A gingerbread wreath is a great way to liven up your holiday season. Made with a sweet gingerbread dough, shaped into smallish cookies, and shaped into a wreath, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating this festive treat. Once you’ve made your wreath shape, you can go wild with icing and candy decorations to really make it pop. Not only will the result be delicious and festive, but you’ll also be able to pass it around for everyone to enjoy.

Gingerbread Mansion

For all of those with a larger-than-life holiday spirit and an affinity for gingerbread structures (not to mention a bit of extra time on their hands!), take your gingerbread architecture to the next level with a gingerbread mansion. As one might imagine, this is a slightly more ambitious project than the classic gingerbread house, as it will require some larger pieces that need extra care and attention when constructing. But, with a little patience and dedication, you can create an impressive gingerbread mansion that’s sure to impress. Be sure to use your imagination and get creative with decorations like icing, candy, and even small Christmas trees!

Gingerbread Christmas Tree

For another creative twist on the traditional gingerbread house, why not make a gingerbread Christmas tree? This delightful holiday treat is easy to make and looks great on display. All you need is some basic ingredients to create the dough — then simply form it into small trees with festive decorations. You can also get creative with the decorations, such as using icing to create ornaments or candy decorations for a truly festive look. The gingerbread Christmas tree is a great way to bring some holiday cheer into your home.

Gingerbread Train

We’ve listed a number of different alternatives to the classic gingerbread house. For another challenging yet super charming option, try building a gingerbread train this year. What’s great about making a gingerbread train is that you can really get creative with the design. For example, you could create an engine, a caboose, and multiple passenger cars — or whatever else you can dream up. You’ll likely need a little extra time to construct this one (as well as some patience in handling those delicate pieces), but the result will be worth it!

Gingerbread Sleigh

If you’re looking for a fantastic gingerbread structure to round out your holiday display, try making a gingerbread sleigh. This festive treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends. And what better way to welcome Santa into your home than with an edible sleigh? Like the other gingerbread structures listed in this article, you’ll need to roll out some dough and construct the pieces before decorating. But once your sleigh is assembled and adorned with icing, candy, and other festive decorations, it’s sure to be a showstopper!

Gingerbread Vintage Truck

The image of the vintage pickup truck with the Christmas tree in the bed is as classic as the Coca-Cola Santa Claus. And now you can bring that timeless holiday image to life with a gingerbread version! You’ll need all of the basic gingerbread ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices to make the dough. Then, when it’s time to put everything together, simply roll out the dough and form it into a truck shape before decorating. Shaping the sides and wheels may be a bit challenging, but it will be worth the extra effort when you have a finished vintage gingerbread truck in front of you!

Gingerbread Carousel

For those that enjoy vegan treats, this super-cute and quaint gingerbread carousel looks as amazing as it tastes. The full-size carousel is a delicious creation that it’s dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it! To make the carousel, you’ll need to bake several gingerbread sheets and cut out the pieces. Then, you’ll assemble it with some creativity and attention to detail. And just like a real-life carousel, don’t forget to decorate your masterpiece with pretty colors and festive designs!

Start Building Today!

Baking gingerbread houses is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make special memories with your family and friends! With a few simple ingredients and a little creative energy, you can turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland. Not to mention, the smell of freshly baked gingerbread is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, you can get as creative as you want with decorations, allowing you to make your gingerbread house unique and one of a kind. From the classic gingerbread house to the unique gingerbread train, there are so many fun options to try. Invite the entire family and make a day of it! So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start baking your own gingerbread house today!

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