Easy Gingerbread House Made Using Cookie Cutters

Gingerbread houses are a delightful and festive holiday tradition, but making them from scratch can be quite challenging. Fortunately, there’s a simpler way to enjoy the fun of gingerbread house decorating without the hassle. By using cookie cutters, you can create easy and adorable gingerbread houses that are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a fun DIY project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making gingerbread houses using cookie cutters, offering tips and ideas along the way.

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Gingerbread Cookie Dough
   • You can use store-bought gingerbread cookie dough or make your own using a recipe.
2. Gingerbread House Cookie Cutters
   • These can be easily found at baking supply stores or online. I got them from Amazon.
3. Royal Icing
   • To act as the “glue” for assembling your houses and for decorating.
4. Candy and Decorations
   • Mini candy canes, gumdrops, candy hearts, and colorful sprinkles are great choices.
5. Piping Bags and Tips
   • For detailed icing work.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by rolling out your gingerbread cookie dough to an even thickness, typically around 1/4 inch. Then, use your gingerbread house cookie cutters to cut out the house shapes.
2. Bake: Follow the baking instructions for your gingerbread cookie dough, but be sure to keep a close eye on them since the cooking time may be shorter than traditional cookies due to their smaller size. Once baked, allow the pieces to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Assemble: Using royal icing as “glue,” assemble your gingerbread houses by connecting the walls and roof pieces. Hold them in place until the icing sets, ensuring the structure is stable.
4. Decorate: Now comes the fun part! Use your creativity to decorate your gingerbread houses. Here are some decorating ideas:
   • Create “icicles” by piping lines of royal icing along the roof edges.
   • Use gumdrops, candy hearts, and mini candy canes to adorn the house.
   • Add windows, doors, and other details with colorful icing.
   • Sprinkle edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
5. Display: Once your gingerbread houses are decorated to your satisfaction, let them dry and harden. They can be displayed as charming holiday decor or as edible treats for your guests to enjoy.

Tips and Ideas:

1. Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes of gingerbread house cookie cutters. You can make tiny houses or even a gingerbread village.
2. Edible Landscapes: Consider creating a winter wonderland around your gingerbread houses using coconut flakes as snow and green icing for trees.
3. Personalize: Invite family and friends to join in the fun and personalize their own gingerbread houses with their favorite candies and designs.

Making gingerbread houses with cookie cutters is a delightful way to enjoy the holiday season without the stress of complex baking and construction. It’s a perfect activity for families, friends, or even a solo creative project. So, gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and start building your own easy and charming gingerbread houses this holiday season. Happy decorating!