A few years ago I started doing these little gingerbread houses out of graham crackers. It has become a fun tradition that our kids look forward to.
These gingerbread houses are also a perfect way to liven up a Christmas party. You can have a timed decorating contest. We have done this a few times and it is always a blast. Each family works together decorating their house. Before you start the decorating you designate someone to be the judge and they are banished to a different room during the decorating process.
The winning family gets a prize, which is usually a bag of candy.
If there is one tradition my kids talk about the most leading up to the holidays it is making gingerbread houses. I am excited to share how we build the graham cracker house and the royal icing frosting recipe with you!
It takes four large graham crackers to make each house. You need 4 square pieces (just break the large crackers in half,) and two pieces that you trim like this….. If you accidentally break the tip off while you are trimming them, don’t fret. You can use a little icing and glue it back on.
Once you have your pieces cut out, it is time to make the frosting.
- 1 lb powdered sugar (approx 3-4 cups)
- 3 egg whites
- ½ tsp cream of tartar (optional)
- Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat for 7-10 minutes or until icing holds a peak.
- (I have to admit, I do not always beat it to that point and it still works fine.)
- I put large spoonfuls of frosting in sandwich size Ziploc baggies and snip the edge to pipe it out when I am building the houses, I also put a spoonful in bags, one for each house. The frosting will stay good in those bags for up to three days. Just pull them out when you need them, snip the edge and you are good to go.
I put spoonfuls of the frosting in sandwich size Ziploc baggies and snip the edge a little to pipe out the frosting when building the houses. A little goes a long way.
I turn a paper plate upside down and use it for the base of the house. I like to build all the bottoms first and let them dry (set up a little) before adding the roofs. On occassion I have had a roof that wants to slide off and it has helped to have the base solid before adding the roof.
Once the houses are dry you can decorate with all your favorite candies. We like to use any of the following:
- M&Ms
- Gumdrops
- Peppermints
- Small candy canes
- Lifesavers
- Mini Marshmallows
- Hersey Kisses
- Licorice, cut into three inch pieces
- Spree’s
- Smarties
- Sweet-tarts
- Mini tootsie rolls
- Leftover Halloween Candy
I hope you try out this fun tradition!
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Thank you so much for the information its super helpful.
I am going to do this with a class of 19 students about how much does this specific recipe make for?
How many houses are you able to make with this recipe.
Thank you!
I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier! I think this recipe makes between 6 and 8 depending on how much frosting you put in each baggie. Hopefully your class went well!
How did you cut the roof line without breakage?
It wasn’t easy! You have to gently press down on the giant knife. I definitely had some casualties! After you do a few, you definitely get the hang of it.
Thank you for sharing this, I admit I was super nervous about making it with my class but you made it seem easier and that gave me confidence to try it out! I am excited, and will let you know how it goes 🙂
Awesome! I can’t wait to hear what it looks like!