Gingerbread house frame centerpiece (Printable)

A festive gingerbread house frame centerpiece with spiced dough and sweet decorations for holiday displays.

# What You Need:

→ Gingerbread Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/3 cup molasses or dark honey
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Royal Icing

11 - 1 egg white
12 - 1 2/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Decoration

14 - 1 3/4 ounces white chocolate, melted
15 - Assorted white and brown candies (e.g., chocolate buttons, white sprinkles, mini marshmallows)
16 - Edible glitter or silver pearls (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
02 - Add the egg and molasses to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
05 - Set oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to approximately 1/5 inch thickness. Cut house panel shapes (front, back, sides, and roof) using templates, each about 4 to 5 inches wide.
07 - Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
08 - Beat the egg white to soft peaks. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until thick and glossy.
09 - Use royal icing as adhesive to attach the panels, holding each briefly until set. Allow the assembled frame to dry fully for at least 30 minutes.
10 - Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frame and adorn with assorted candies and sprinkles, securing them with royal icing. Optionally, dust with edible glitter.
11 - Place the finished gingerbread house frame onto a platter and arrange additional cookies or holiday treats around it to complete the festive centerpiece.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's actually easier than a full house because you're building a frame instead of a complete structure, which means fewer pieces to keep standing.
  • Your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream, and guests will be genuinely impressed when they realize it's entirely edible.
  • It doubles as both decoration and dessert, so it earns its place on any holiday table without taking up extra space for another dish.
02 -
  • The panels must be completely cool before you attempt to assemble them, otherwise the warm cookies won't hold the shape and everything will shift as the icing sets. Patience here saves heartbreak later.
  • Royal icing sets hard and acts as structural glue, but it's not instant. Give each connection time to set before adding weight or pressure. If something feels wobbly, it probably needs more time, not a harder push.
  • If your panels crack while baking or cooling, don't throw them away. You can still use them as decorative filler pieces within the frame, or as garnish around the platter. Gingerbread is forgiving that way.
03 -
  • If your royal icing is too thick and won't pipe smoothly, add lemon juice or water a tiny drop at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Too thin and it won't hold your candies in place, too thick and it's impossible to work with.
  • Invest in a piping bag and a few basic tips, it transforms your decorating from sloppy to polished and makes the whole experience feel more intentional and enjoyable.
  • Work in a cool kitchen, royal icing sets faster in cooler temperatures, which actually makes assembly easier and less frustrating.
Go Back