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Build your dream cottage—out of gingerbread!

Published: December 22, 2020 Updated: June 13, 2022
graham crackers to be used as a chimney for gingerbread cottage
Photo by Casey Peta
1. Use graham crackers for your chimney

Every cottage needs a fireplace, and graham crackers are an ideal material that you can use to construct a chimney. You’ll need four pieces, two rectangular and two with a triangle cut out to fit over the ridge of the roof. Use the holes on the crackers as a guide to ensure straight, even lines.

shredded wheat covered in coconut on a gingerbread cottage
Photo by Casey Peta
2. Use shredded wheat cereal for the roof

Once the chimney is up and ready for Santa, it’s time to really bring that cottage charm with a rustic roof. Nothing achieves that effect better than shredded wheat cereal. Opt for frosted cereal for built-in snow, or, if not, powdered sugar does the job just fine too.

jellybeans on a wooden board for gingerbread cottage
Photo by Casey Peta
3. Use jellybeans for your exterior walls

For this next tip, think beyond your typical December holiday candy. Rather, flash back to spring and use jellybeans for a stone or cobblestone look. Cut them in half, flatten them gently with your thumb, and press them into an icing-covered chimney or wall.

gingerbread cottage door made out of pretzel sticks
Photo by Casey Peta
4. Work in savoury bits too

Gingerbread decorations don’t have to be limited to sweet; savoury items work as well. Fresh herbs such as rosemary add a lively touch of nature (and smell heavenly!). Carefully bend a small sprig into a wreath to adorn a pretzel door, and decorate with leaves around the roof, windows, etc. as desired.

ice cream cone being covered in green frosting to make a tree for the gingerbread cottage
It would be a shame to display your lovely cottage on bare cardboard. A little effort goes a long way when it comes to the surrounding area. Make trees with green icing piped with a star or a grass tip onto ice cream cones, and place them on a bed of shredded-coconut snow to complete the scene.
5. Add the extras

fire made of of blueberries, pretzel bits and jujubes for the gingerbread cottage
Last but not least, since it’s cold out there, why not create a miniature fire out of pretzel-rod bits? For the flames, you can tear and mold any gummy candy you have. Then two lima beans stuck together become chairs that are just the right size.
6. Don't forget the fire!

Most of us have had our share of gingerbread-decorating disasters over the years: where there’s icing everywhere, candy pieces that won’t stick, and a design that ends up being, well, less than inspired. But this year, we’re empowering you to switch it up! Instead of making a traditional house, build yourself a gingerbread cottage instead. You can add a roof, a chimney, exterior siding, windows, trees, and even a campfire. Follow these simple and easy tips to make a beautiful, cozy cottage that’s straight out of a winter wonderland.

And remember, the wonderful thing about gingerbread houses is that, much like snowflakes, no two are alike—and they shouldn’t be. Make it your own (or now’s the perfect time to imagine what your cottage could look like), and have fun with it! Our only wish is that this cottage was life-size, or that we were made of gingerbread so we could sit around that toasty fire.

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