15 Creative Recipes for Decorating Gingerbread Houses That Wow

You're standing in a winter wonderland, surrounded by gingerbread houses that sparkle like jewels. You're decorating your own, with royal icing and candy. What design will you choose?

1. Traditional Gingerbread House Recipe

Classic gingerbread house made with molasses and spices.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons molasses
• Water as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and molasses until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or knife to cut out gingerbread pieces.
9. Place pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow gingerbread to cool completely before assembling house.

2. Modern Minimalist Gingerbread House Design

Modern minimalist gingerbread house design features simple lines and monochromatic colors.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or a knife.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Assemble the house using royal icing.

3. Candy Cane Lane Gingerbread House

A festive and classic gingerbread house design, Candy Cane Lane features a colorful and sweet exterior.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candy canes
• M&M's

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or a knife.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
11. Decorate the house with candy canes, M&M's, and other desired candies.

4. Gingerbread Mansion With Royal Icing

Gingerbread Mansion With Royal Icing is a classic holiday dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread pieces.
9. Place the gingerbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Assemble the gingerbread mansion using royal icing.

5. Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Scene

Create a whimsical winter wonderland scene with a gingerbread house.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candies and decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread house pieces.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing and decorating with candies.

6. Gingerbread House With Edible Images

Create a gingerbread house with edible images using this recipe.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• Edible images or prints
• Royal icing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or a knife.
8. Place the gingerbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before decorating with edible images and royal icing.

7. Snow Globe Gingerbread House

Snow Globe Gingerbread House is a miniature edible winter wonderland scene.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Water
• Food coloring
• Miniature snow globe decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread house pieces.
9. Place the gingerbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing.
13. Decorate the gingerbread house with royal icing, water, food coloring, and miniature snow globe decorations to create a snow globe scene.

8. Gingerbread Chalet With Fondant Details

Delicate gingerbread chalet with intricate fondant details.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• Fondant for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread chalet pieces.
8. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before decorating with fondant.
10. Use fondant to create details such as windows, doors, and roof tiles.

9. Gingerbread Lighthouse With Sea Glass

Create a whimsical gingerbread lighthouse with sea glass details.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Sea glass or small blue candies
• Royal icing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use a lighthouse-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the lighthouse shape.
7. Place the lighthouse on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the lighthouse to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Use royal icing to decorate the lighthouse and attach sea glass or small blue candies to resemble the sea.
10. Allow the icing to set before serving.

10. Whimsical Woodland Gingerbread House

Whimsical Woodland Gingerbread House is a sweet, edible abode.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candy and edible decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread house pieces.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing and decorating with candy and edible decorations.

11. Gingerbread Castle With Moat and Drawbridge

Create a majestic gingerbread castle with a moat and drawbridge.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candy and edible decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread pieces for the castle.
9. Place the gingerbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before assembling the castle using royal icing.
11. Create the moat by filling a shallow dish with blue royal icing or candy melts.
12. Construct the drawbridge using gingerbread or cookie pieces and attach it to the castle using royal icing.
13. Decorate the castle with candy and edible decorations.

12. Vintage Style Gingerbread House

Create a classic Vintage Style Gingerbread House with intricate details.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candies and decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread house pieces.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the pieces to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Assemble the house using royal icing and decorate with candies and other decorations.

13. Gingerbread Village With Multiple Houses

Create a whimsical gingerbread village with multiple houses.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Candy and decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the gingerbread house pieces.
9. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the gingerbread to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Assemble the houses using royal icing and decorate with candy and other edible decorations.
12. Create a village by arranging the houses and adding additional details, such as roads, trees, and a backdrop.

14. Gingerbread House With Geometric Patterns

Delicate gingerbread house with geometric patterns for decoration.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• Royal icing for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out gingerbread house pieces.
8. Place gingerbread pieces on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Allow gingerbread to cool completely on wire racks.
10. Assemble gingerbread house using royal icing and decorate with geometric patterns.

15. Steampunk Gingerbread House With Gears and Gadgets

Create a unique Steampunk Gingerbread House With Gears and Gadgets.

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
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Gears and gadget decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut out the gingerbread house pieces using a template or a knife.
8. Bake the pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
9. Allow the pieces to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing.
11. Decorate the house with gears and gadgets to create a Steampunk theme.

Conclusion

You'll whip up wildly wonderful winter wonderlands, crafting cute candy cane columns and creative contraptions, making your gingerbread houses fantastically festive and fantastically fascinating, filling them with flavorful frostings and festive flair.