Learn how to make a gingerbread house with graham crackers and host a party for festive fun!
Updated November 2023
Last year I started a new holiday tradition because we needed something festive, social and fun enough that even my tween would have a good time.
We invited some friends over and blasted holiday music. Then we spent the next couple of cheerful hours decorating a whole village of gingerbread houses.
My secret to a stress-free good time? Graham crackers!
Hosting a gingerbread house decorating party might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With a few easy shortcuts and a little preparation, it can be a very merry celebration that everyone from toddlers to teens can enjoy!
How to Make a Gingerbread House
These easy “gingerbread” houses can be assembled days or even weeks ahead of time, making your party preparations totally relaxed.
I typically like to do this part on my own (but your kids can certainly help too). While I watch The Great British Baking Show (holiday edition, of course), I mix, cut and assemble at my leisure.
MATERIALS
- Graham crackers: 5 full sheets per house
- Royal Frosting for “gluing” the houses together
- Paper plates
- Paper cups
- Popsicle sticks
- Frosting for decorating: Use store-bought for a simple shortcut, 1 tub for every 4 houses
- Candy (You can make life easy on yourself and ask your guests to each bring a bag. Or use leftover Halloween candy!)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut the graham crackers to size
Use a sharp knife with firm pressure to make your cuts. I’ve found that some graham cracker brands are sturdier than others. I had great luck with store brand this year.
Save your scraps for snacking or a graham cracker crust!
- Make your “glue” frosting
I make a simple royal icing to assemble the houses. It’s easy, quick-drying, and super sturdy. The basic ratio is as follows:
1 Tb meringue powder (I know it’s a strange ingredient, but it’s worth it! A big tub will last you forever and it’s so much easier than messing with egg whites)
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tb cold water
Mix your ingredients together until you have the consistency of toothpaste, adjusting the water/powdered sugar ratio as needed.
- Assemble the gingerbread house
Scoop some of your “glue” frosting into a plastic bag and snip off one corner.
Pipe generous lines of frosting wherever house pieces will meet.
Hold pieces together for 5 seconds before moving on to the next section.
Let each house dry for several hours for maximum sturdiness.
- Now it’s time to party!
Set each gingerbread house on its own paper plate next to an individual cup of frosting with a popsicle stick for spreading.
- Decorate
Distribute the candy in bowls around the table, turn up the Christmas music, and get ready for a good time!
We hope you give this Christmas activity a try with loved ones. And if you’re looking for more easy Christmas crafts & activities for kids, we’ve got you covered!
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