How to Make a Charming Gingerbread Farmhouse

No need to make your own custom pieces. Simply start with a basic gingerbread house kit and assemble as directed.

To give your prefab gingerbread house some character, start by creating a quaint roof. Starting at the bottom on the roof, place a line of royal icing (we suggest making your own) all the way across; then stick almond slices to the icing line. Repeat this step for the remainder of the roof, layering as you move to the top.

Give the sides of your gingerbread house something more interesting than icing and candy. Create a shiplap look by covering the sides of the house in royal icing and layering pieces of white gum up the sides of the gingerbread house. Leave the window and door uncovered, but feel free to cover any other existing features with this sugary-sweet siding.

To finish off the exterior of the house, use pretzel pieces to create a door and shudders. Define the window panes with thin lines of royal icing.

Use small pieces of rosemary to accentuate the roof line, creating the look of a Christmas garland.

Vibrant red cinnamon candies are the perfect choice for adding cheery color to your rosemary garland.

Give your entry inviting appeal with a chocolate candy doorknob. A tiny dot of icing should do the trick.

Make sure the gingerbread people stay warm and cozy all winter long. Cut cinnamon sticks down to create small, consistent pieces. Bundle the “wood” pieces together with a festive string and set outside the front door.

To set the stage for a perfect holiday, you can’t forget the snow-covered pines. Coat a sugar cone in a layer of royal icing, being sure to wipe off any excess. Once coated in an even layer of icing, cover the cone in shredded coconut. Lastly, place the perfect pine near the gingerbread home. Create as many as you want, and secure them to the board with more royal icing if needed.

For a thick blanket of snow, coat the yard area with a layer of icing and top with a hefty sprinkling of shredded coconut.

Forge a picturesque pathway by spreading graham cracker crumbs to the door of the house.

Top this farmhouse off with an idyllic mailbox made of a pretzel stick, rolled up piece of gum and a decorative piece of rosemary topped with confetti sprinkles.