How to Make a Gingerbread House: A Fun Holiday Activity For Students

Get ready to embark on an exciting holiday adventure as we guide you through the process of making your very own gingerbread house! We’ll provide you with all the steps and tips you need to create a magical masterpiece that’s sure to fill your home with warmth and cheer. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather our supplies, and let the fun begin!

Gathering Supplies and Ingredients

1. Start by collecting all the materials you’ll need for your gingerbread house. You’ll want to have gingerbread, icing, and a delightful assortment of candy decorations. Don’t forget to grab some tools like a rolling pin, baking sheets, and piping bags as well! 
2. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at making your own gingerbread house templates. If you prefer convenience on the other hand, no worries! You can easily find pre-made templates online or at your local craft store.
3. Want to add a unique touch to your gingerbread house? Consider optional additions and variations like using colored icing, incorporating different flavors into the gingerbread dough, or adding extra decorations like edible glitter or fondant accents.

Learn More: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Preparing the Gingerbread Dough and Pieces

1. If you’re making your gingerbread dough from scratch, follow our step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and sturdy base for your house. Mix the ingredients, chill the dough, and then roll it out to the desired thickness.
2. For those who prefer a quicker option, using pre-made gingerbread kits is perfectly fine! Simply follow the package instructions to prepare the dough and proceed to the next step.
3. Once your dough is ready, it’s time to get creative with your gingerbread house design. Use the templates to cut out the walls, roof, and any other desired components. Remember to bake them according to the instructions; allowing them to cool completely before assembly.

Learn More: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Assembling the Gingerbread House

1. Prepare the icing as the “magical glue” that holds your gingerbread house together. Follow our simple recipe or use the icing included in your pre-made kit.
2. Begin assembling your gingerbread house by applying a generous amount of icing along the edges of the walls. Carefully connect them to form the base of your house; holding them in place until the icing sets.
3. Continue adding the roof, chimney, and any other components by using icing to secure them firmly. Take your time and pay attention to the stability of the structure.
4. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t line up perfectly- embrace the whimsy and charm of your special handmade delight!

Learn More: Simply Recipes

Decorating Your Gingerbread House

1. Let your imagination run wild as you envision the overall theme and style of your gingerbread house. Will it be a cozy cottage or a grand mansion? You decide!
2. Start by arranging and attaching your favorite candy decorations to the house by using icing as glue to secure them in place.
3. Next up is adding those intricate details and personal touches! Use icing to create windows, doors, and other decorative elements. You can even pipe on designs or write messages with colored icing.
4. Feel free to explore different techniques like adding gumdrop pathways, creating icing icicles, or using shredded coconut as a textured snowy accent. The possibilities are endless!

Learn More: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Displaying and Preserving the Gingerbread House

1. Once your masterpiece is complete, it’s time to decide how to display it. Consider placing it as a centerpiece on your holiday table or showcasing it on a dedicated display stand in your kitchen.
2. To keep your gingerbread house beautiful and fresh, place it in a cool and dry area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. You can cover it with a glass dome or place it in a clear cellophane bag to protect it from dust and humidity.
3. Get creative with incorporating your gingerbread house into your holiday décor! Place it on a festive platter surrounded by fake snow, add your best figurines, or even create a whole gingerbread village display.

Learn More: The Spruce Eats

Gingerbread House Activities and Extensions

1. Let’s make the classic gingerbread house-building activity even more educational and engaging! Introduce math concepts by getting your little ones to measure and cut the gingerbread pieces, count candy decorations, or calculate the area and perimeter of the walls.
2. Develop storytelling skills by encouraging your kids to imagine who might live in their gingerbread house and create a story around it. They can write or orally share their tales; adding a touch of wonder to the activity.
3. Host a gingerbread house showcase where the kids in the neighborhood can display their creations and share their design inspirations. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to spread more holiday cheer, but everyone is given the opportunity to connect. 

Learn More: Sadlier

Safety Considerations

1. Safety first! Remind your littles to exercise caution when handling hot items such as melted candy or freshly baked gingerbread. Adult supervision is essential throughout the activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions. Consider using allergy-friendly candy or provide alternative decorating options to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Learn More: UNL Food

Conclusion

Congratulations, talented gingerbread architects! You’ve successfully embarked on a delightful journey of making your own gingerbread house. Whether it’s a cozy cottage or a whimsical wonderland, your creation is truly a work of art! Display it proudly, share the joy with loved ones, and cherish the memories you’ve made during this magical holiday activity.