Get Ready to Make the Cutest Gingerbread House Ever This Holiday Season (2024)

There's no better time than the holidays to indulge in one of the best Christmas desserts: gingerbread cookies! And if you're a fan of sugar, spice and everything nice, then making gingerbread houses is sure to be high on your Christmas activity bucket list. After all, making gingerbread houses together as a family is fun and creative, and a great way to build memories one house at a time.

Start with the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen's recipe for gingerbread house cookie dough and royal icing, and from there you can go as traditional or as unique as you want. If you're looking for a little design inspiration, we've rounded up dozens of gingerbread house ideas that run the gamut from classic to modern. Whether you're a novice baker or an expert dessert aficionado, these sweet ideas are sure to help you build an epic gingerbread house this Christmas.

Prepare to top your gingerbread house with gumdrops, jelly beans, candy canes and a coating of powdered sugar snow. Whichever Christmas candy you chose, you're guaranteed to have a ton of fun making these sugary creations. So gather your favorite sweet treats and get decorating — then grab a mug of hot cocoa, kick back and marvel at your gingerbread masterpiece.

Take a basic gingerbread house to the next level with an edible sugar glass star and intricately piped icing decorations.

Cut out larger pieces of gingerbread to create a country-style gingerbread barn. Jelly beans and M&Ms complete the look.

Those without a strong sweet tooth will appreciate this house. Decorated with almonds, macadamias and walnuts, this gingerbread residence is packed with protein.

Gingersnap cookies make for delicious shingles! Surround your creation with coconut "snow" and bottlebrush trees to create a cute holiday display.

Create a fun modern color scheme with pink frosting and green sour straps. Peppermint candy shingles and candy cane siding add an extra fun touch.

Attach pretzel rods to the exterior of your gingerbread house with royal icing to create an edible log cabin!