From yumsugar.com

The gingerbread house is an iconic Christmas tradition, and every kid has probably made at least one.  But, gingerbread can do so much more than houses!  If you’re willing to get a little creative, there are lots of fun things you can make with this versatile cookie.

Or, you could switch up the recipe you’re using.  Obviously, you need a sturdy cookie that will hold it’s shape well.  Lebkuchen (lep-kue-gen), a German cookie made with molasses, is a great choice for making houses since it holds it’s shape so well.  This is a great recipe, though you might want to omit the almonds and fruit.

Castle
You could go all-out on your castle, with turrets, battlements, towers, a drawbridge, and details galore.  Or, you could use a simple house pattern and cut out the classic castle shape along the tops of the walls.  Here’s a fun castle pattern from Wilton.  For fine details like an iron gate or drawbridge chains, you can melt some chocolate and  pipe it into shapes onto a sheet of wax paper.  Once it dries you can fix it onto your castle with some icing- just be careful, it’ll be fragile.

Nativity

From caroldridge.typepad.com

I think this picture, from artist Carol Eldridge, speaks for itself.  Isn’t this just the most delightful thing you’ve ever seen?  I’m sure mine wouldn’t look like this, but it would be fun to try!

For an easier nativity, try using stacked gumdrops for people, and marshmallows for sheep (licorice makes great legs).  Graham crackers and toasted coconut can easily make the walls and hay.

Things That Go:
•    Train
•    Race car
•    Boat
•    Sleigh

You’ll find patterns for some of these things with a quick Google search, but for the most part, you’ll be on your own.  Don’t be afraid to get creative!  And don’t worry about creating a perfect finished product- it’s about the experience of putting it together and decorating it as a family!

Ornaments

From bunnycakes.typepad.com

We love to use Lebkuchen to make Christmas ornaments.  These German cookies are delicious dipped in milk or hot coffee, but they’ll last forever once you let them dry out.  After you roll the dough flat and cut out some holiday shapes, use a straw or the end of a chopstick to punch a hole in the cookie.  After baking the cookies, let them dry for 2 or 3 days before decorating.

You can search the internet to find lots of unique patterns for your gingerbread creations.  Some are pretty complex, but you can simplify just about any pattern to meet your needs.

Be sure to stock up on candy for decorating with, like gumdrops, M&Ms, chocolate chips, peppermints, gummy bears, candy canes, or marshmallows.  For edible “glue”, try simple frosting or Martha Stewart’s royal icing recipe.

Personalized Cookie PlateAre you using gingerbread to make a house- or anything else- this year?  Post your photos to our Facebook page and win this personalized plate from Olive Kids!