10 Scrumptious Gingerbread Houses You’ll Love Decorating With Your Loved Ones
Come Christmas time, there’s a lot more to decorate than just the tree — yep, we’re talking about gingerbread houses! Even if you don’t *quite* have the baking chops to churn out these sugary treats on your own, you can still get in on the fun with the best gingerbread house kits.
Equipped with everything you’ll need to make a wow-worthy holiday display, including pre-baked, ready-to-assemble gingerbread pieces that can be put together to resemble miniature buildings (or in some cases, castles!), pre-made icing, and candy galore, these edible sets are a surefire way to bring some seasonal cheer into your life as you decorate them with your loved ones. Read on find out more about them — and where to get your hands on one this year.
The History of Gingerbread Houses
Anyone that’s familiar with the fairytale of Hansel and Gretel knows a thing or two about gingerbread houses. These confectionary wonders, which are typically made of a cookie dough mixture of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, or cinnamon and sweetened with honey, sugar, or molasses, reportedly originated in Germany centuries prior to the tale’s 19th century publication, and were usually decorated with foil and gold leaves. Yet it was the witch’s life-size gingerbread house from the popular Brothers Grimm’s story — the same one that lured the lost young siblings to her doorstep — that cemented these miniature creations into popular culture.
Over the years, gingerbread houses took on a far more uplifting meaning, as people began to craft their own versions to showcase alongside their Christmas décor. These days, they symbolize a beloved Christmas tradition that has stood the test of time.
Where to Buy Gingerbread House Kits
Whether you prefer larger projects, like gingerbread villages ($24, Amazon), that will keep you and your family entertained for hours, or mini houses, like this Elf on the Shelf pick ($13.99, Amazon), that you can knock out in a hurry, it will be easy enough to track down a gingerbread house kit that works for you at some of your favorite retailers. Amazon, Target, and Walmart are all stocked with plenty of festive options, as are home stores, such as Bed Bath & Beyond and World Market. Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks for the best gingerbread houses of 2019!
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