How to Build a DIY Cookie House: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
December 11, 2024

The holiday season is full of magic, and one of the best ways to embrace the spirit is by building a gingerbread house. Whether it’s a fun family tradition or a creative activity for a cozy afternoon, building a gingerbread house is a wonderful way to make lasting memories. This hands-on experience is perfect for bringing people together and enjoying some festive fun. Whether using a DIY kit or crafting one from scratch, this guide will help you get things started.

Preparing Your Gingerbread House Pieces

Before diving into your gingerbread house adventure, it’s important to prepare all the components of your DIY kit. Begin by ensuring that the gingerbread house pieces are at room temperature. Cold pieces can crack or break easily, so allowing them to warm up ensures they’ll be easier to handle and hold together better as you assemble the house.

Once the gingerbread pieces are ready, knead the piping bags gently. If the icing has separated, simply knead the bags for a minute to mix everything together, making the icing smooth and ready to use. Don’t worry if you’re new to building gingerbread houses—the process is simple! For those needing a bit of extra guidance, a step-by-step tutorial is available with your DIY gingerbread house kit. Just scan the QR code or visit the online instructions for helpful tips.

Assembling Your Gingerbread House

Now comes the fun part: assembling your house! Follow these simple steps for a smooth process:

  • Apply icing generously: Start by applying a thick layer of icing to the edges of the gingerbread wall and pressing it into the board. Use it like glue to ensure the pieces stick together well.
  • Press the pieces together: Gently press the gingerbread pieces together and hold them for a few seconds until they stay in place.
  • Let each wall dry: Allow each wall to dry for a minute or so before adding the next. This helps create a strong foundation.
  • Add the roof: Apply icing to the top edges of the walls, and the top edges of the roof. Carefully place the roof pieces on top. Gently press them into place and let the icing set. This part can take a little patience, as it’s important to make sure the roof stays stable. For best results, let the roof sit for an hour or overnight before decorating.

Decorating Your Gingerbread House

Once the structure has dried, it’s time to decorate your gingerbread house! Decorating is where creativity truly shines, so let your imagination run wild. Here’s how to add a festive touch:

  • Secure decorations with icing: Use the icing provided in your DIY gingerbread house kit to hold decorations in place.
  • Create a snowy effect: Sprinkle icing sugar along the roof and walls to mimic freshly fallen snow.
  • Add icicles: Use icing to create icicles around the roofline for an extra touch of winter charm.
  • Get creative with candy: Decorate with the candy provided in your kit, or embellish your house with gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, or any sweet treat you like. Don’t be afraid to go all out!

Whether following a gingerbread house template or designing your own layout, there’s no wrong way to decorate. The more icing and decorations, the merrier!

Why Choose a DIY Gingerbread House Kit?

DIY gingerbread house kits are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the holiday spirit without the hassle of making everything from scratch. These kits come with everything needed: gingerbread house pieces, icing, and candy bags. They’re perfect for anyone looking to make a sweet holiday memory with minimal preparation.

Using a DIY kit simplifies the process, as you won’t need to spend hours baking gingerbread from scratch. Everything is prepped and ready for assembly. It’s the perfect solution for a stress-free holiday activity.

For a great DIY experience, try the Home Sweet Home DIY Gingerbread House Kit. This kit comes with all the essentials to start building and decorating right away.

View the DIY Gingerbread House Kit here.

View Our Guide For Building Your Gingerbread House Kit

Don’t Have Time to Build?

For those who want to skip the baking and building, pre-built gingerbread houses are a perfect solution. These ready-made gingerbread houses are ideal for anyone who wants to jump straight into decorating. Skip the waiting time and get straight to the fun!

Pre-built gingerbread houses are available for purchase, so if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy this holiday tradition, they are the ideal choice. You can find both pre-built and decorated houses for immediate decorating.

View the Standing DIY Gingerbread House Kit here. 

For those who want a bit more hands-on fun, the DIY Gingerbread House Kit is a great option, allowing for a creative and memorable experience.

View the DIY Gingerbread House Kit here.

For those who don’t want the fuss of decorating, we have completely decorated houses ready for you to show off – go ahead take the credit, we don’t mind. 

View the Pre-built Gingerbread House here.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Building a DIY gingerbread house is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re starting a new family tradition or simply crafting a festive decoration for your home, it’s a wonderful activity that brings people together. The joy of decorating and the laughter that comes with the process are perfect for creating lasting memories.

So gather your loved ones, get your gingerbread house kit ready, and enjoy this sweet holiday tradition. Whether you’re making a DIY gingerbread house or decorating a pre-built one, take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly—have fun!