Fool Proof Tips for a Perfect Gingerbread House with Cookidoo and Thermomix

Gingerbread houses are a quintessential Christmas activity, bringing joy to children and adults alike during festive parties and family gatherings. This cherished tradition sets the tone for the holidays, encouraging creativity and imagination even if it does come with a side of sugar fuelled energy bursts! For many, it’s a once a year indulgence, and we happily relax the usual sugar restrictions for this special occasion.

If you’ve ever been daunted by the idea of making a gingerbread house from scratch, fear not those days are over, especially with the help of Thermomix. With the recipe options on Cookidoo, you can pick one that’s simple yet delicious. We opted for a straightforward recipe with fewer ingredients, ideal for those, who like me lack the time (or patience) for overly complex baking projects.

Out with the Ready Made Kits

In previous years, I relied on store bought gingerbread house kits from supermarkets or even IKEA. While these kits were convenient during the whirlwind of December’s festivities, these kits often left much to be desired. The biscuit pieces tasted bland and stale, and the icing resembled glue hardly appealing or edible! My kids were never allowed to eat their gingerbread creations, which reduced the whole activity into a decorative, rather than culinary, exercise.

This year, I decided it was time for a change. Armed with my trusty Thermomix and the wealth of recipes on Cookidoo, I resolved to make a gingerbread house from scratch. The result? A joyful, hands on experience that surprised even me with its simplicity and fun. Not only was the house beautiful, but the biscuits were genuinely delicious something I never thought I’d say about a gingerbread house!

Tips for a Successful Gingerbread House Adventure

Here are some insights from my experience to help you on your own gingerbread-making journey:

1. Choose a Simple Recipe

Cookidoo offers a range of gingerbread recipes, but I recommend starting with one that has fewer ingredients and easy to follow instructions. I promise it tastes just as delicious as the ones with more intricate ingredients. This allows you to focus on the fun parts like decorating with the kids without getting bogged down in a complex baking process.

2. Prepare Ahead

Ideally, aim to pin down your gingerbread house day in the first week of December. This way, once festive activities roll around, the holiday rush won’t derail your plans. Bake the gingerbread house biscuits a day ahead to ensure they are completely dry and sturdy for assembly. Also, gather all your tools and decorations in advance, so you’re ready to dive straight into the fun without any last minute scrambling. Your best friend here is the gingerbread house cutter which you can easily find on Amazon.

3. Bake to Last

Even with the best intentions and careful adherence to the recipe, baking can sometimes throw a curveball usually due to an unpredictable oven. But don’t worry, here are some tips to help you bake gingerbread house pieces like a pro:

• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave enough space between the biscuits to allow them to expand without sticking to each other.
• Ensure the baking sheet is flat: Bubbling or uneven sheets, especially silicone ones, can lead to warped pieces. Opt for a perforated baking mat for better air circulation, ensuring your house walls stay straight and sturdy.
• Cool on a flat surface: As soon as the pieces are baked, remove them from the sheet and transfer them to a flat, cold surface like your countertop. This prevents bending while the biscuits are still warm and pliable.
• Fix bent edges immediately: If you notice the sides aren’t perfectly flat, place a gentle weight, like a rolling pin, on top while the biscuit is still soft. Keep an eye on it, though—don’t leave the weight on for too long as it could leave marks or uneven surfaces.
• Let it cool completely: Allow the pieces to cool and set overnight. Avoid storing them in containers with rounded edges, even when dry, as they might still bend slightly.

With these in mind, you’ll have straight, sturdy walls ready for assembling your gingerbread masterpiece! 

4. Let the Kids Design then Assemble

Building a gingerbread house is all about unleashing creativity and having fun together. Encourage the kids to experiment with icing, sweets, and even unique decorations, the little imperfections only add to the charm! However, here’s a game changing tip I discovered: decorate before assembling the house.

Why? Decorating flat pieces is much easier for kids and avoids the frustration of candies sliding off because the icing hasn’t dried. This approach also gives them the freedom to focus entirely on their designs rather than worrying about gravity!

Here are some helpful tips:

• Divide and conquer: Let the kids pick which pieces they want to decorate walls, the front door, back entrance, or the roof. This personal touch makes it even more special.
• Go easy on the decor: Remind them not to overload pieces with too many sweets, especially the roof, as the extra weight could make assembly tricky or cause the house to collapse.
• Dry before assembly: Once their masterpieces are complete, allow the icing and decorations to dry fully before moving on to the construction phase.
• Enjoy the Process: The joy of making a gingerbread house is in the process. Don’t stress about perfection, embrace the playfulness and let your imagination run wild.

Festive Fun in the Kitchen – A New Tradition

Making a gingerbread house from scratch has become a new family tradition for us. Not only did it taste infinitely better than any store bought kit, but it also turned a simple activity into a memorable bonding experience for the whole family. It’s not just about the end result but the shared laughter, creativity, and festive spirit that make this activity truly special. So why not give it a go this year? With the Thermomix and Cookidoo, you might just discover your new favourite holiday tradition.

Wishing you a joyous and delicious holiday season!