Gingerbread House Candies: The Sweetest Way to Decorate

When it comes to decorating gingerbread houses, candies are an essential element. They add color, texture, and sweetness to these festive creations. With so many different candies available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This article will walk you through the various types of candies that can be used to decorate gingerbread houses, providing tips, tricks, and effective strategies to help you create a truly show-stopping confection.

Types of Candies for Gingerbread Houses

Hard Candies

• Peppermints: Classic red and white peppermints add a festive touch to any gingerbread house. They can be crushed into smaller pieces for sprinkling or used whole as windows or decorations.
• Candy canes: These iconic Christmas candies can be used to make roofs, fences, or even Christmas trees. Their hook shape allows for easy attachment to the gingerbread.
• Jolly Ranchers: Hard but chewy, Jolly Ranchers come in a variety of colors and can be used to create stained glass windows or other intricate designs.

Gummy Candies

• Gummy bears: These colorful candies are a popular choice for gingerbread houses. They can be used to create windows, fences, or even trees.
• Gummy worms: These long, wiggly candies can be used to add a whimsical touch to gingerbread houses. They can be used to make curtains, garlands, or even fences.
• Marshmallows: Soft and fluffy, marshmallows can be used to create snowmen, clouds, or other wintery decorations.

Chocolate Candies

• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips can be used to create shingles, bricks, or other details on gingerbread houses. They can also be melted and used as glue.
• Chocolate bars: Broken into pieces, chocolate bars can be used to create roofs, walls, or even windows. They can also be melted and used as a dipping sauce for gingerbread pieces.
• Candy melts: Candy melts are a type of chocolate that can be melted and used to create a variety of decorations. They are available in a variety of colors and can be used to create smooth, glossy surfaces.

How to Use Candies to Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Prepare the Candies

Before decorating, it's important to prepare the candies. Hard candies can be crushed into smaller pieces using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin. Gummy candies can be cut into shapes using a sharp knife. Chocolate candies can be melted in a double boiler or in the microwave.

Attach the Candies

There are several ways to attach candies to gingerbread houses. Royal icing is a popular choice, as it dries hard and can hold candies in place. Sugar glue, made from sugar and water, is another option. For heavier candies, you may need to use toothpicks or melted chocolate to secure them.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a variety of candies to create different textures and colors.
• Experiment with different ways to attach candies to create unique designs.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of candies.
• If you're using melted chocolate, let it cool slightly before applying it to the gingerbread. This will help prevent the chocolate from melting the gingerbread.
• Have fun! Decorating gingerbread houses is all about creativity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much glue: Too much glue can make the gingerbread house sticky and difficult to handle. Use just enough glue to hold the candies in place.
• Not letting the glue dry: If the glue doesn't dry completely, the candies may fall off the gingerbread house. Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes before handling the gingerbread house.
• Using heavy candies: Heavy candies can weigh down the gingerbread house and cause it to collapse. Use lightweight candies or secure them with toothpicks.

Step-by-Step Approach to Decorating a Gingerbread House with Candies

1. Prepare the gingerbread house: Assemble the gingerbread house according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let the gingerbread house dry completely before decorating.
2. Prepare the candies: Crush hard candies, cut gummy candies, and melt chocolate candies.
3. Apply a base layer of glue: Apply a thin layer of royal icing or sugar glue to the gingerbread house. This will help the candies stick.
4. Attach the candies: Start by attaching the larger candies, such as hard candies or chocolate bars. Once the larger candies are in place, fill in the spaces with smaller candies, such as gummy bears or candy melts.
5. Let the glue dry: Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes before handling the gingerbread house.
6. Enjoy your gingerbread house!

Why Using Candies to Decorate Gingerbread Houses Matters

Decorating gingerbread houses with candies is a fun and festive tradition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Not only does it create beautiful and unique decorations, but it also helps to develop creativity and fine motor skills.

Benefits of Using Candies to Decorate Gingerbread Houses

• Encourages creativity: Decorating gingerbread houses with candies allows people to express their creativity and imagination.
• Develops fine motor skills: Attaching candies to gingerbread houses helps to develop fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Creates a festive atmosphere: Gingerbread houses decorated with candies add a festive and cheerful touch to any home.
• Brings people together: Decorating gingerbread houses with candies is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Effective Strategies for Decorating Gingerbread Houses with Candies

• Plan ahead: Before you start decorating, take some time to plan your design. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your gingerbread house looks its best.
• Use a variety of candies: Using a variety of candies will create a more interesting and visually appealing gingerbread house.
• Experiment with different techniques: There are many different ways to attach candies to gingerbread houses. Experiment with different techniques to create unique designs.
• Have fun! Decorating gingerbread houses with candies should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity flow.

Tips and Tricks for Decorating Gingerbread Houses with Candies

• Use royal icing or sugar glue to attach candies. Royal icing is a strong and durable glue that will hold candies in place. Sugar glue is a less durable option, but it is easier to make.
• Let the glue dry completely before handling the gingerbread house. This will help prevent the candies from falling off.
• Use toothpicks to secure heavy candies. Toothpicks can help to support heavy candies, such as chocolate bars or hard candies.
• Be careful not to use too much glue. Too much glue can make the gingerbread house sticky and difficult to handle.
• Have fun! Decorating gingerbread houses with candies is a fun and festive activity. Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity flow.

Table 1: Types of Candies for Gingerbread Houses

Table 2: Tips and Tricks for Decorating Gingerbread Houses with Candies

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Gingerbread Houses with Candies

Conclusion

Decorating gingerbread houses with candies is a fun and festive tradition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and unique gingerbread house that will be the centerpiece of your holiday decorations. Happy decorating!