Embark on a sweet adventure this holiday season with this treasure trove of gingerbread house ideas for 2023.
Skip the boring gingerbread house kits and make your own creative creations with this festive roundup of gingerbread houses that will allow you to step into a winter wonderland of cinnamon, spice, and everything nice.
From classic cottages decorated with icing icicles to modern gingerbread skyscrapers, there are over a hundred designs for inspiration – the possibilities are endlessly scrumptious. Whether you’re an expert baker or a baking newbie, there are plenty of creations, ranging from simple to complex, that will inspire some sweet architectural feats and bring some Christmas magic to your holiday activities.
You will find decorating ideas for all ages, skill levels, and preferences. These gingerbread houses make fun Christmas crafts for adults and kids alike. Whether you want to host a Gingerbread house decorating party, a family crafting night, or a friendly competition with friends, these ideas will help you transform your sweet visions into an edible reality.
You will find step-by-step tutorials and tips and tricks to make the perfect gingerbread house! There are also ideas for making individual elements of a gingerbread house, like roof shingles, doors, windows, walkways, and much more, to help you customize your designs!
If you are designing houses with your kids, pair these ideas with these gingerbread house coloring pages for extra fun!
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Unique Gingerbread House Ideas
Victorian Store Front from Vintage Kitty
Stone House from Worth Pinning
Rustic Log Cabin from Vikalinka
Cozy Cottage (source unknown)
Gingerbread House from Sprinkle Bakes
Log Cabin from Three Pixie Lane
Church with Stained Glass Windows from Sweetopia
Pretzel Sticks Cabin from Worth Pinning
Hogwarts Castle from Not Quite Nigella
Gower Street Christmas Homes from Rock Recipes
Vermont Farmhouse from King Arthur Flour
Birdhouse from Amelie’s House
Mini Houses from Lily Ardor
Tipi from Baking Magique
House with Pecan Roof from The First Year
Skyscraper (source unknown)
Three-Story Mansion (source unknown)
Mini House for Mug from Not Martha
Camper from Sugar and Cloth
Palm Springs from A Beautiful Mess
Nativity from Roti n Rice
Doctor Who Tardis from Youtube
Lighthouse from Parsley Sage Sweet
Modern House from Oh Happy Day
Two Story House from How to Cook That
Pretzel Chimney from The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie
Christmas Village from Wilton
Cozy Cottage from How to Cook That
Two Story House (source unknown)
Gingerbread Farm from My Name is Yeh
Farmhouse Barn from Taste of Home
Enchanted Victorian Chalet (source unknown)
Up on the Rooftop from Worth Pinning
Lodge from Taste of Home
English Cottage from Rambling Renovations
Traditional Gingerbread House Ideas
Icicle Decorated House from Goodies by Anna
Grand Gingerbread House from Wilton
White and Red Houses from Sweetopia
Candy Cane Designed House from Brit + Co
Christmas Cottage from Taste of Home
Gumdrop Roof from Flickr
Chocolate Houses from Wilton
Funfetti House from Studio DIY
Pink House from Sweetopia
Valentine House from With Love and Confection
Professionally Designed House from Frog Prince Paperie
Fairy House from Will Cook for Friends
Frosty Winter Houses from Something…
Gingerbread House from How to Cook That
Royal Icing Gingerbread House from Youtube
Sprinkles House from Wilton (via Youtube)
Candy Roof Houses from My Taste Hobby with Passion and Love
Beautiful Frosting Design with a Hard Candy Roof (source unknown)
Festive Gingerbread House Idea (source unknown)
Simple Gingerbread House from My Name is Snickerdoodle
Creative Gingerbread House (source unknown)
Chocolate House from Cookies, Cupcakes and Cardio
Festive House (source unknown)
Candy House with Wafers Roof (source unknown)
Quick and Easy Ideas
No Bake Mini Houses for Kids from Red Ted Art
Easy Graham Cracker Houses from Our Best Bites
Easy DIY Gingerbread House from Living Locurto
No Bake Gingerbread House from Life Made Sweeter
Peppermint Candy Houses from Food Network (via Facebook)
Easy Gingerbread House from Flickr
Graham Cracker Votive from The View from Great Island
Patriotic Gingerbread House from Whipperberry
Tips, Tricks & Other Gingerbread House Ideas
Candy Bricks (source unknown)
Organization Ideas from She Wears Flowers
Seven Ways to Make a House with Graham Crackers from Tinkerlab
Best Gingerbread House Glue from Kids Activities Blog
How to Host a Decorating Party from Eat This Up
Candy Fire (source unknown)
Candy Snails (source unknown)
Skiing Marshmallow Snowman (source unknown)
Candy Tree (source unknown)
Pretzel Window Shutters (source unknown)
Gingerbread House FAQ
Making your gingerbread house unique is all about letting your creativity shine and adding personal touches. Here are some tips to create a gingerbread house that stands out:
Theme It Up: Choose a unique theme and design. This could be anything from a winter wonderland to more unconventional themes like a beach house, a barn, or a skyscraper. Also, instead of the classic house shape, try different architectural styles.
Color Palette: Break away from the traditional red and green. Your color choices can make a big difference in the overall look.
Candy Variety: Go beyond the usual candies like gumdrops and peppermints. Experiment with candies like licorice, lollipops, jolly ranchers, or even savory snacks.
Personal Touches: Incorporate elements that are meaningful to you. For instance, if you love gardening, create a mini gingerbread garden with green frosting and candy flowers.
Texture and Patterns: Use various techniques to add texture. You can create a brick or wood effect with icing, use shredded coconut for snow, or make patterns with different types of candy.
Edible Decorations: Try making edible decorations like sugar glass windows or pretzel fences.
Amy Freudigman says
Do you have templates for the sample houses? Specifically the 3-story Victorian Mansion.
I really want to try to make it. I’m using my phone as I don’t have a computer right now, so it male’s measuring a little difficult.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
Amy Freudigman
Stephy says
Hi Amy,
If you are referring to the “Three-Story Mansion” one, then I could not find details or a tutorial link for that one! I’m sorry that I couldn’t be more help!
Merry Christmas!
Maddie jones says
I love all of these ideas!!!!! They are SOOO cute!!!!!
Darlene Turenne says
Hi Are these books for sale?
prudentpennypincher.com says
Hi Darlene, No, sorry — these are not books for sale. They are just free ideas. You can click the link for the one you want and they will give you a tutorial for how to make it.