Gingerbread house
A decorative house built from baked panels of firm gingerbread, glued together with royal icing and covered in candy, icing and sprinkles.
- Decorating, finishing and presentation
The tradition grew in Germany in the 1800s and became tied to the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. Construction gingerbread is rolled thin and baked until fully crisp, often with less leavening than eating gingerbread, so the walls stay flat and strong.
Thick royal icing acts as mortar. The walls should set for several hours before the roof goes on, and decorating is easiest once the whole structure is dry and stable.
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Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
- Gingerbread house (Q4382778), Wikidata