Creative Candy Choices for Your Edible Gingerbread House

Creating an edible gingerbread house can be a delightful and creative experience. Properly choosing the right candies not only enhances the visual appeal of your creation but also ensures that it remains sturdy and enjoyable to eat. This comprehensive guide will explore the best types of candies to use, along with practical tips for attaching them to your gingerbread house.

Best Candies for Decorating Gingerbread Houses

Several types of candies are ideal for decorating gingerbread houses. These candies have a hard surface that adheres well to royal icing and do not melt or disintegrate easily. Here are some of the best options:

1. Hard Candies

Hard candies, such as mints and Starlight mints, are strong and durable. They adhere well to royal icing, making them perfect for creating detailed and intricate designs. Additionally, Starlight mints come in a variety of colors, giving your gingerbread house a vibrant and festive look.

2. Gumdrops

Gumdrops and other pulled sugar candies are traditional choices for gingerbread house decorations. They are easier to manipulate and come in various shapes and colors, making them versatile for adding details to your house. Whether you use them to create windows, doors, or other architectural features, they are a beloved staple in gingerbread decorating.

3. Life Savers

Life Savers and similar small, round candies come in a wide range of bright colors. These can be used to create patterns, borders, or even to mimic tiny Christmas lights by melting them inside cookie frames to form translucent stained-glass panels. This adds a unique and magical touch to your gingerbread house.

Attaching Candies to Gingerbread

When attaching candies to your gingerbread house, it's crucial to follow a few key techniques to ensure your decorations stay in place. Whether you're using dots or lines of royal icing, these methods will help you achieve a professional and sturdy design:

1. Dots Method

Fit: Dots of royal icing are piped to the back of the candy using a small piping tip. This method is ideal for individual pieces of candy such as gumdrops or Life Savers. For larger pieces like candy canes, use bigger dots to provide more attachment surface area.

2. Lines Method

Form: A line of royal icing is piped along the back of the candy. This technique is perfect for long candies like candy cane sticks or pretzel rods. By using a line approach, you can create intricate designs like pathways or archways in your gingerbread house.

Edible Gingerbread House Tips

While your gingerbread house is edible, proper care is essential to maintain its integrity. Here are some tips to ensure your creation remains safe and enjoyable:

1. Kit Instructions

Kit Edibility: All Wilton gingerbread house kits are edible, but it's important to follow the kit instructions carefully. Keep your house in a cool, dry place, and cover it with plastic wrap at night to protect it from dust.

2. Maintenance

Prevent Dust: Dust can settle on your gingerbread house, so it's essential to keep it covered and in a safe location until it's fully decorated. This will help ensure that your finished gingerbread house remains clean and intact.

3. Repair and Reserves

Repairs: Always have spares of your favorite candies on hand for repairs. Sometimes, small gremlins (or enthusiastic munching) can cause decorations to fall off, so having extra candies ready will help you quickly fix any issues.

Conclusion

By carefully selecting the right candies and using proper techniques for attaching them, you can create a stunning and edible gingerbread house. Don't forget to enjoy the process and the delicious results! Whether you're celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a creative hobby, an edible gingerbread house is a delightful treat for all ages.