Gingerbread house building tips

Gingerbread houses are great fun, but they can sometimes be difficult to build. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you and your loved ones have a joyful time building your gingerbread houses!

Design it. It’s a good idea to know what you want to create before you start. So, whether you draw it out or picture it in your mind, start by mapping out your design.

Use graham crackers. If you don’t want to buy or make gingerbread, graham crackers are a popular alternative. Not only are they cheaper, but they hold up better, too!

Grab that leftover Halloween candy. Still trying to get rid of your Halloween stash? Just about any classic trick-or-treat candy will work. You can use peanut M&M’s for tree lights, Twizzlers for trim, Twix bars for logs — you name it, you can find a use!

Buy a kit. Don’t want to start from scratch? Buy a kit! They come with all the basic ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You can usually find gingerbread house kits at your local grocery or craft store.

Keep it simple. Could you go crazy with candy décor? Sure. But do you have to? Not at all! Try the “snow-covered cottage” look using only white piping.

Try using ingredients other than candy. Now is a great time to clean out your cupboards. Use up pretzels, marshmallows, sticks, cereal and any other food item you want.

Use hot glue to hold it together. Royal is great for creating snowy rooftops, but not so much for holding everything together. Use a hot glue gun to keep your structure together. It’s stronger and it’ll dry faster. Just be sure if you or someone else decides to eat your creation, remember to avoid the glue!

Take your time. Patience is key to creating your gingerbread masterpiece. Allow the pieces to set and become sturdy so all your hard work doesn’t break or crumble.

December 12 is National Gingerbread House Day! Share a photo of your gingerbread house on our Facebook page.

Information from: https://redtri.com/clever-gingerbread-hacks/slide/1

PMW-0129 Gingerbread house template - easy

Here is an easy-to-use template for your gingerbread house. Cut out the templates and place them on top of the rolled-out, uncooked dough. Cut the dough to match the template using a pizza cutter, metal ruler or scissors.

Information from: “Gingerbread House Template Printable,” wineandglue.com, accessed October 2, 2019 PMW-0129

Gingerbread house template - difficult

Want to step it up a notch? Whether you’re entering a contest or you like a good challenge, this template is sure to put your skills to the test!

Information from: “The Thud Gingerbread House template,” the-thud.com, accessed October 2, 2019 PMW-0129 Front of house Cut x 1 Back of house Cut x 1 Side of house Cut x 2 Roof Cut x 2

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Front awning Chimney Chimney Chimney Cut x 2 Cut x 1 Cut x 1 Cut x 2

Roof windows Cut x 4