Most gingerbread houses collapse for one of two reasons: the icing is too thin, or the roof goes on before the walls have set. Fix those and almost any house will stand.

Use the right icing

Royal icing is the glue. It is made from powdered sugar and egg whites or meringue powder, and it dries hard. It should be thick, like toothpaste, so it holds its shape when piped. If it runs, add more powdered sugar. Keep the bowl covered with a damp towel while you work, because it dries fast.

Many kits include icing mix or ready-made icing. Pre-made icing in a piping bag is the easiest for kids.

Step 1: Prepare a base

Build on a sturdy board, a tray or a large plate covered with foil. You will not be able to move the house easily once it is built.

Step 2: Attach the walls

  1. Pipe a thick line of icing along the bottom edge and side edges of the front wall.
  2. Stand it up and press a side wall against it at a right angle.
  3. Support both walls with cans, mugs or small boxes on the inside and outside.
  4. Add the remaining two walls the same way.
  5. Pipe extra icing along every inside and outside corner.

Step 3: Let the walls set

Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes, and longer if you can, before adding the roof. This is the step most people skip. Keep the supports in place while the icing hardens.

Step 4: Add the roof

Pipe icing along the top edges of the walls and the roof peak. Place one roof panel, hold it for a minute, then add the other. Prop the roof panels from below if they slide. Pipe icing along the ridge to seal it.

Step 5: Decorate

Let the whole house set for an hour or more before heavy decorating. Then use icing to attach candies. Ideas include gumdrops along the roof edge, candy canes at the corners, pretzel sticks for a fence, cereal for roof shingles and powdered sugar for snow.

Is it edible?

Gingerbread for houses is baked firm so it holds its shape, and kit gingerbread may not be fresh by the time you build it. Many people treat the house as decoration. Check the kit label if you plan to eat it, and do not eat a house that has been on display for weeks.

Want an easier start?

Pre-assembled kits, where the walls are already joined, skip the hardest step and are ideal for young children. Compare options in our gingerbread house kits, and see cookie cutters and baking sets for more holiday baking.