Ways to Make a Gingerbread House Without the Gingerbread
The holidays are a time for traditions, laughter, and creativity—and few traditions are as fun (and delicious) as building a gingerbread house. But what if you’re feeling adventurous this year and want to stray from the traditional path?
Maybe you’re out of gingerbread, looking to try something new, or just want to surprise everyone with a unique twist on the classic holiday activity. Don’t worry, because there are countless ways to create a sweet, festive house without a crumb of gingerbread in sight.
Gingerbread House Ideas
From cookies to candy and even savory alternatives, here’s a guide to crafting your very own “gingerbread” masterpiece – no gingerbread required!
The Cookie Castle: Substitute the Base
Gingerbread is iconic, but let’s face it—it’s not the only sturdy treat in town. Here are some great alternatives to serve as the structure for your holiday house:
Graham Crackers
The OG gingerbread house alternative, graham crackers are light, crisp, and easy to assemble. Their rectangular shape makes them perfect for walls and roofs, and their mild flavor pairs well with all kinds of decorations. Plus, they’re readily available in most stores, making them a quick and reliable option.
Sugar Cookies
In lieu of gingerbread cookies, flat, firm sugar cookies can be a fantastic base for a sweet house. Bake them in any shape you desire – triangles, squares, or rectangles – and let your imagination run wild. If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored sugar cookies like cinnamon or chocolate to add extra flair. You can also add frosted sugar cookies into the mix!
Wafer Cookies
Love color and texture? Wafer cookies, with their delicate layers and pastel hues, are both functional and festive. They’re lightweight, easy to cut, and make adorable walls or accents.
Sweet Cement: Holding It Together
No gingerbread house can stand tall without some kind of "glue" to hold it all together. Here are some sticky, sweet options that work like a charm:
Royal Icing
A classic choice, royal icing is strong and hardens quickly. Mix powdered sugar, egg whites, and a dash of lemon juice to create a paste that holds your house together like a champ. You can even color it to match your theme!
Chocolate
Melted chocolate isn’t just tasty—it’s a versatile adhesive! White, milk, or dark chocolate can be used to glue walls and roofs together. Just make sure to let it cool and harden for maximum strength.
Caramel
Feeling fancy? Use melted caramel for a slightly chewy but super-strong bond. The caramel adds a lovely golden color and an irresistible flavor.
Peanut Butter or Nutella
For a softer, more forgiving option, spread peanut butter or Nutella between pieces. It might not harden like royal icing, but it’s delicious and works well for smaller structures.
The Edible Architecture: Walls and Roofs
The fun part of building a gingerbread house is choosing what materials to use. This is where your creativity can truly shine! Here are some ideas:
Cookies and Biscuits
Oreos: Separate them and use the cookies as walls or shingles. The cream filling can even double as glue!
Digestive Biscuits: Their sturdy texture makes them great for building.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Who says rustic can’t be delicious?
Pretzels
Pretzel rods are perfect for creating log cabin vibes. You can also use small pretzels as accents or roof shingles.
Rice Krispy Treats
Moldable, tasty, and easy to work with, rice krispy treats are a versatile building material. Shape them into walls, roofs, or even snowmen to decorate your scene.
Candy Bars
Rectangular candy bars like KitKats or Hershey’s can act as walls or roof pieces. Their uniform shape makes them easy to stack and assemble.
The Decorations: Bring It to Life
Once your house is standing tall, it’s time to decorate! Here’s where the fun really begins.
Roof Tiles
Candy Disks: Neatly arrange Necco wafers or Smarties for colorful shingles.
Mini Marshmallows: Layer them for a fluffy, snow-covered roof.
Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle over icing for a frosty look.
Windows and Doors
Gummy Candies: Use square or rectangle gummies for vibrant windows.
Licorice: Twisted ropes make great frames or outlines.
Chocolate Squares: Mini chocolate bars or squares can double as doors.
Snow and Frosting
Powdered Sugar: Dust your house and surroundings for a winter wonderland effect.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Add an elegant snowy touch with melted white chocolate.
Landscaping and Accessories
Peppermints: Line pathways with peppermint candies for a classic look.
Sprinkles: Scatter colorful sprinkles around the base for extra cheer.
Cereal: Use cereal pieces like Frosted Mini-Wheats for frosty bushes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a rustic fence.
Theme Ideas: Take Your House to the Next Level
Once you’ve got your materials, consider giving your house a unique theme. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Candyland Cottage
A riot of color, this house is packed with gumdrops, lollipops, and every sweet treat imaginable.
Winter Wonderland
Stick to whites, silvers, and light blues for a snowy, elegant vibe. Use coconut flakes, powdered sugar, and marshmallows to enhance the theme.
Chocolate Chalet
Create a cozy cabin entirely out of chocolate. Use chocolate bars for walls, dark chocolate drips for icicles, and cocoa-dusted powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Savory Shack
Want to skip the sweets? Build a savory house with crackers, pretzels, cheese cubes, and cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for a holiday appetizer display!
Tips and Tricks for Success
Plan Ahead: Sketch out your design before you start building to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Work in Stages: Allow walls and roofs to set firmly before decorating to avoid collapsing.
Get the Family Involved: This is a great activity for kids and adults alike. Everyone can decorate their own section!
Don’t Worry About Perfection: Part of the charm is in the imperfections. Enjoy the process and have fun!
Share the Joy
Once your gingerbread house (sans the gingerbread) is complete, don’t forget to show it off! Display it as a centerpiece, share photos on social media, or even gift it to a loved one.
This holiday season, step outside the (gingerbread) box and explore the world of edible creativity. Whether you’re using graham crackers, cookies, or candy bars, the possibilities are endless. The most important ingredient is the joy you bring to the process, and that’s something no recipe can replicate.
Keep coming back for more all throughout the holiday season – and beyond. Our focus is staying up to date on new ways to live a joy-filled life and sweet holiday treats are the perfect place to start.