How to Build a Gingerbread House

Notes

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  To make your own icing: If you want to make your own icing, royal Icing can also be used to assemble and decorate your Gingerbread House. Try our gingerbread house icing recipe for your own homemade gingerbread royal icing.

  To store icing: Store remaining icing in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Before reusing, re-whip the icing using a paddle attachment on low speed until it’s back to the desired consistency.

  Using cornstarch, confectioners sugar, or granulated sugar when assembling or decorating:

  • Cornstarch can be used to smooth icing without it sticking to your finger.
  • Confectioners’ sugar is used with fondant to reduce stickiness or dust your work surface before rolling it out.
  • Granulated sugar is used to decorate candy pieces or frosting to achieve the look in pictures shown on the box. You may or may not need or choose to use these items, depending on the project or look desired.

  Side panels tips:

  • Prior to assembling, measure side panels to ensure they are the same size. If your panels are not the same size a knife can be used to shave off excess.
  • Sides can be propped up using a can or other heavy container until they dry.
  • If a panel cracks or breaks, you can use icing to “glue” it back together. Just let it set for at least an hour, then continue assembling and decorating. You can also use icing or fondant decorations to cover up the crack if it shows on the outside of your house.

  Tips on adding the roof:

  • After assembling the back, side and front panels, let your house dry for about an hour before adding the roof.
  • If you don’t give your icing time to dry, the house could collapse from the weight of the roof.

  Tips for adding decorations to your gingerbread house:

  • After your house is fully assembled allow your house to dry for 2-3 hours prior to adding decorations.
  • Granulated sugar is used to decorate candy pieces or frosting to achieve the look in pictures shown on the box. You may or may not need or choose to use these items, depending on the project or look desired.

  Room Temperature: Temperature can greatly affect the longevity of your gingerbread house. If your kitchen is warm or the temperature is humid, the icing may melt or fall off your gingerbread house.

  Is my gingerbread house edible? Wilton gingerbread house kits are edible; however, we suggest keeping it in a cool, dry place and keeping it covered with plastic wrap at night to prevent dust from settling on your house. Your gingerbread house is edible for up to 5 days after decorating.

  How to preserve a gingerbread house: Once decorated, you can spray your house with clear acrylic spray or reinforce the inside of the house with cardboard cut to fit the pieces of each panel. Hot glue the cardboard to the inside of the house as you assemble. Keep in mind if you use these tactics to preserve your house, it will no longer be edible.