Gingerbread houses originiated in Germany during the 16th century. They quickly become associated with Christmas and it’s a tradition many Australian families have adopted too.
Once the gingerbread has been baked and the house constructed, the fun really starts. Decorating your gingerbread house is a treat to be enjoyed by the whole family – especially those with a sweet tooth.
Here are some tips on the best lollies to use for texture and design.
Gum Drops
Gumdrops are one of the most iconic gingerbread house candies. They are mainly used as Christmas lights, fences and colorful accents on the roof.
M&Ms
M&Ms are a must for any gingerbread house. M&Ms are small round chocolates that are commonly use for decorating the roof of the house. By adding some frosting and sticking them individually on the roof, you can create colorful red and green patterns.
Hershey Kisses
Hershey Kisses can be used as roof decor, but also used to create walk ways for the house.
Candy Canes
Traditional candy canes are one of the most diverse sweets to use when decorating a gingerbread house. They can be used to create heart shape windows, lamp posts with a yellow gumdrop lamp or even a supporting doorway.
If you are able find stick shaped candy canes, this will allow you to create many red and white boarders around the house.
Christmas Sprinkles
The primary purpose of Christmas themed sprinkles is to add a pop of color and shapes to your theme. While most sprinkles come in a cylindrical shape, Christmas themed sprinkles can come in round, star, heart, Christmas tree and even Santa shapes which can elevate your design. They can be also found in many different kinds of colors as well.
Peppermints
Peppermints can be the focal point of any gingerbread house. They are usually placed right above the door or where the two roofs meet. Peppermints can also be used as the primary candy to decorate the roof.
Candy Icicles and Bricks
Candy icicles can add the winter touch to any gingerbread house. Candy icicles are used to decorate the edge of the roof and around the doors.
In addition, candy bricks are great to line the gingerbread house walls. This can bring a nice rustic or classic feel to your house.
Gingerbread Man Decor
Gingerbread men decor are primary used outside the house. It’s common to have a gingerbread couple or family with every gingerbread house. It’s best practice to find smaller gingerbread men and women so that they are proportional with the house size.
Snow Frosting and Confetti
Snow frosting and confetti can add an elegant touch of winter to any gingerbread house. The snow frosting design is usually applied to the roof and walls to the gingerbread house and can be anywhere from a very simple pattern to a very intricate design. Confetti is a simple way to add color and simple shapes to your creation.
Red and Green Sour Tape
A newer candy, red and green sour tape is a great way to add texture to your gingerbread house. The sour tape is mainly used on the walls, but could also be used as grass.
Chocolate Pretzels
If you are considering a cabin-style gingerbread house, chocolate or regular pretzels can be used to create a wooden design. By adding frosting to the pretzels and placing them on the walls and roof of the house, you can have a log cabin style in no time.
– Tips courtesy bestgingerbreadhouses.com
