Gingerbread houses are one of the most beloved holiday traditions around the world. But what’s a gingerbread house without some sweet decorations? While traditional candy canes and gumdrops might come to mind, the options for decorating a gingerbread house are limitless!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best candy options for decorating your gingerbread house. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a first-timer, these candy ideas are sure to add some extra sweetness to your holiday season. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Traditional Candy Options for Decorating Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are a popular holiday tradition, and decorating them with candy is a fun and creative way to get into the spirit of the season. When it comes to choosing candy for your gingerbread house, there are many options to consider. Traditional candy options for decorating gingerbread houses include hard candy, gumdrops, candy canes, and sprinkles.
Hard candy comes in a variety of colors and shapes, including round, square, and star-shaped. Gumdrops are another classic choice, and they come in an array of colors and flavors, such as cherry, orange, and lemon. Candy canes are a festive addition to any gingerbread house and come in a variety of colors and flavors as well. Sprinkles come in many forms, including glittery sugar crystals and tiny candy shapes, and they are perfect for adding texture and shine to your gingerbread house creation.
Unconventional Candy Ideas for Decorating Your Gingerbread House
When it comes to decorating a gingerbread house, the sky’s the limit. While traditional candy options like gumdrops, candy canes, and chocolate chips are great, why not push the boundaries and use some unconventional candies?
One off-beat option is rock candy, which adds a unique texture to your gingerbread house decor. You can also incorporate chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweet-and-salty touch. Another idea is to use jelly beans for roof shingles or to imitate Christmas lights. You can even incorporate fruit leather as a fun, colorful accent. Remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity run wild. By thinking outside the box, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house that’s sure to impress.
Considerations When Choosing Candy for Gingerbread House Decorating
When it comes to decorating a gingerbread house, choosing the right candy is just as important as the actual construction of the house itself. It’s crucial to consider the type of candy you use to ensure that it not only looks appealing but also holds up well and doesn’t deteriorate over time.
Firstly, consider the size and weight of the candy you plan to use. Heavy candies like chocolate balls and large lollipops can cause the gingerbread house to collapse, so it’s important to balance out the weight with lighter candies like sprinkles and small candies. Secondly, think about the temperature of the room where you will display the gingerbread house. Candies like chocolate and gummies can melt or become sticky in warmer rooms, so it’s best to choose candies that can withstand warm temperatures or be kept in a cooler area of the house. Overall, it’s important to choose a variety of candies that not only look great but also can withstand the test of time.
How to Use Candy to Create Unique and Eye-Catching Gingerbread House Designs
Using candy to decorate a gingerbread house is a fun and creative way to express your holiday spirit during the winter season. But how can you create unique and eye-catching designs using candy?
One way to do this is to mix and match different colors and types of candy. For instance, use colorful gummies to create a bright roof, and then add a gumdrop chimney to it. Use assorted chocolate candies to design a garden pathway, and then sprinkle colorful M&M’s to create a welcoming entrance. By mixing different candy types, you’ll create a whimsical and inviting gingerbread house that is sure to delight anyone who sees it.
Another way to create unique designs is to use candy as a theme. For example, if you love the beach, you can create a gingerbread house that features candy seashells, gummy fish, and blue icing waves. For the animal lovers out there, candy can be used to create an array of cute critters like bears, penguins, and reindeer. Regardless of your theme, using candy to create unique and eye-catching designs is the perfect way to make your gingerbread house stand out from the rest.
Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Gingerbread House Decorating Candy
While traditional gingerbread house decorating candy may be delicious, it’s important to remember that many of these candies are high in sugar and artificial ingredients. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier alternatives that you can use to decorate your gingerbread house without sacrificing taste or creativity.
One option is to use fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi slices. These colorful, vitamin-rich options are a great way to add vibrancy and nutrition to your gingerbread house. You can also consider swapping out classic candy canes for natural candy canes made with organic sweeteners, or using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, lower-sugar alternative. Whatever your preferences, there are plenty of options to choose from that will make your gingerbread house both beautiful and nutritious.
Classic Gingerbread House Decorations That Can be Made with Candy
Candy is an essential part of any gingerbread house decoration. From classic candy canes to colorful gummies and chocolates, there are countless options that can be used to add sweetness and charm to your gingerbread house. Some of the classic gingerbread house decorations that can be made with candy include gumdrops, peppermints, licorice, and sugar pearls.
Gumdrops are colorful, chewy candies that are perfect for creating roofs, windows, and doors on your gingerbread house. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be easily cut and sculpted to fit your desired design. Peppermints are another popular choice for gingerbread house decorations. They can be used to create a festive border around the base of the house or as colorful accents on the roof and walls. Licorice sticks are perfect for creating fences, gates, and pathways in your gingerbread house yard. Finally, sugar pearls can be used as a finishing touch to add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your gingerbread house decoration.
Tips for Storing and Transporting Your Candy-Decorated Gingerbread House
After spending hours decorating your gingerbread house with candy and other sweet treats, you want to ensure that all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste. Proper storage of your candy-decorated gingerbread house is crucial if you want to enjoy it for days to come. To keep your gingerbread house fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Transporting your gingerbread house can be tricky, as you don’t want all of your hard work to get destroyed during transit. One tip is to wrap the gingerbread house in plastic wrap and then place it in a sturdy cardboard box. Fill the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent the gingerbread house from moving around. Additionally, try to transport the gingerbread house when the weather is cool and dry to prevent any melting of the candy. With these tips, your candy-decorated gingerbread house will remain intact and you can enjoy it for days to come!
Final Words
In conclusion, decorating a gingerbread house can be a fun and creative activity, especially during the holiday season. With the wide variety of candy available, the possibilities for decorating are endless and can be tailored to suit individual preferences.
When choosing candy to decorate a gingerbread house, it’s important to consider its size, durability, and color. Smaller candies such as sprinkles and candies with a hard shell are great for filling in small spaces, while larger candies such as candy canes and gumdrops can be used for a more dramatic effect. Overall, whatever candy you choose, have fun and let your creativity guide you in making a unique and festive gingerbread house that will be sure to impress.