Gingerbread Cookie Houses: Tips for Building and Decorating Like a Pro.
Choose the Right Recipe: Use a sturdy gingerbread cookie recipe to ensure the walls and roof of your house stay intact during assembly and decoration. Opt for one that’s dense and firm for the best structure.
Prepare a Solid Base: Start by cutting out your house pieces on parchment paper. Before assembling, make sure the base is solid enough to hold everything in place, using a large, flat board or cake board as a foundation.
Use Royal Icing as "Glue": Royal icing is perfect for bonding gingerbread pieces together because it hardens firmly and acts as an excellent adhesive. Make sure it's thick enough to hold your pieces upright without sliding.
Let the Walls Dry Before Assembling the Roof: After attaching the walls, allow them to dry and set for at least 30 minutes before adding the roof. This ensures the structure doesn’t collapse under the weight of the roof.
Use Piping Bags for Precision: For intricate details like windows, doors, and icing decorations, use piping bags with various tips. This allows for greater control and the ability to create detailed designs.
Add Candy for Fun Decorations: Choose colorful candies like gumdrops, peppermints, candy canes, and licorice to decorate the exterior of your gingerbread house. You can also use sprinkles and edible glitter for extra flair.
Plan Your Design First: Before starting, sketch out your design and figure out where you want each candy or decoration. This helps ensure a balanced look and prevents overcrowding in certain areas.
Make Use of Texture: Create texture by adding elements like shredded coconut for "snow," chocolate chips for roof tiles, or pretzels for a rustic look. These small details enhance the overall aesthetic and make your house stand out.
Be Patient and Take Your Time: Building and decorating a gingerbread house takes time, so be patient. Allow the icing to dry fully between steps, and don’t rush the decoration process to ensure a professional-looking result.