Wholesome Gingerbread Houses
Inspiration to transform a nostalgic holiday activity into a healthier, more beautiful tradition
Happy December! It’s hard to believe we are here already. I tend to get nostalgic this time of year. I’ve been thinking about years gone by, and scrolling through the photos on my computer. This morning I set out Trader Joe’s Advent calendars, which is something I’ve been doing since the kids were little. My teens and young adults were so happy to see that I hadn’t forgotten. In a rapidly changing world, there is comfort in things that remain the same - however simple they may be.
Over a decade ago our “healthy gingerbread house” tradition began. The kids and I spent an afternoon in December mixing, rolling, cutting, baking, and assembling gingerbread houses from scratch. They were not the most picturesque but it was a fun all-day activity. (I had to go back and find a photo - just look at those sweet little faces.)
The next morning, a friend and her little ones joined us around the kitchen table for a festive time together. Being that it was a very full season of life, I used what I had on hand to lay out on the table to decorate the houses. We used pumpkin seeds, coconut shreds, popcorn, pretzels, rosemary and thyme sprigs from the garden, cereal, dried oranges, cranberries, and banana chips. The results were more beautiful than we could have imagined - lovely enough to display with twinkle lights and cedar boughs for all who entered our home.
Twelve years later, and this has become a beloved tradition that we look forward to every year. While it’s fun to bake your own gingerbread houses, you can skip that step and purchase them pre-made if you prefer. If you choose to assemble your own houses, might I recommend gluing them together with hot glue. This will keep them from caving in after decorating, which is exactly what happened to the houses pictured in the 2011 photo above.
Making a big bowl of homemade royal icing is also a must. I’ve tried many recipes over the years and discovered that adding egg whites makes the shiniest, most “snow-like” icing that really glues the decor to the gingerbread house. I’ve included our go-to recipe below.
Spreading brown paper or wrapping paper over the surface of the table makes cleanup a breeze. Purchasing a roll of brown “builders paper” from Home Depot or Lowes will save you so much $.
I would love to hear the decor ideas that you all come up with beyond the list I’ve included below. Dried oranges are always a #1 favorite. They make the prettiest “stained glass” windows. Below, you’ll find my preferred method for drying them, along with an extra step that keeps them from turning brown.
Whether you make this an evening family activity or a morning play-date activity - set up a cozy hot cocoa and tea bar with holiday-themed mugs or teacups. Include a selection of coffee, cider, hot chocolate and assorted teas. Pair this with a charcuterie tray, offering a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruit. Or offer muffins and a savory quiche for a well-rounded, easy spread that will keep everyone nourished and happy.
Wholesome Gingerbread Houses
A simple guide
Pre-made or Homemade Gingerbread Houses
1 batch of Homemade Royal Icing (decorates approximately 2 gingerbread houses.) Recipe below.
Assortment of Healthy Decor - see idea list below
Homemade Royal Icing
2 egg whites
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp cream of tarter
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar. Whip together for 1 minute.
Gradually add powdered sugar, until icing turns shiny and holds it’s shape. You want it to be stiff, so it holds the decor on the houses.
“Healthy” Decor for Gingerbread Houses:
lay each “topping” out in small bowls in the middle of the table for easy sharing
Christmas tree greenery trimmings
Herbs from the Garden
Dried Oranges
Dried Cranberries or other dried fruit
Banana Chips
Pretzels
Shredded Wheat or frosted mini wheat cereal
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Pecans or other nuts
Shredded Coconut (snow)
Mini Marshmallows
Goji berries
Chocolate Chips
Popcorn
Powdered Sugar for Snow
Dried Oranges
Thinly Sliced Oranges
Cane Sugar or Salt (will help your oranges retain their vibrant color)
Paper Towels or Absorbent Kitchen Towel
Slice and arrange thinly sliced orange slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Pat the oranges with a paper towel to absorb the excess juice. Flip the oranges over and repeat this step, taking care that all juice is absorbed onto the towel.
Sprinkle sugar or salt over the top of the oranges, spreading over the surface of each orange with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Flip and repeat.
Bake at 200º for about 4 hours, flipping frequently, and watching for signs that the oranges are completely dry.
Turn the oven off when they seem to be done, and let them sit in the oven as they cool. Remove and store in a container. These make beautiful garland, ornaments, gift toppers and of course, gingerbread house decor :)
Stay tuned for a nourishing soup recipe later in the week.
This looks like so much fun! All of the little homes you’ve built over the years are so adorable.