Every Christmas since 1998, I've built gingerbread houses with family and friends — sometimes a single house, some years a whole party's worth. Here are a few favorites, followed by every year since the tradition started.
Highlights
By Year
2019
James helped me build 16 houses for a party hosted at Michael and Elizabeth's. Friends from work joined in — Sam and family, Terence and family, Christine, Elaine, Michael, Elizabeth, and their kids. A wonderful time was had by all.
See all 34 photos from 2019 →
2017
Another year of houses built and decorated with friends, including Amy and Bethany.
See all 38 photos from 2017 →
2014
A gingerbread herb garden alongside the usual houses, plus a decorating party.
See all 57 photos from 2014 →
2013
A big group year — Daniela, Krista, Lyn and Cindy, Meleta, the Paulsons, Shaya, and Terry all built houses together.
See all 35 photos from 2013 →
2008
A gingerbread house, a church, and a dog house — three builds in one year.
See all 23 photos from 2008 →
2007
A gingerbread castle, complete with turrets, a wishing well, and an alligator guarding the moat.
See all 22 photos from 2007 →
2001
A gingerbread church and nativity scene — a bigger build than the usual house.
See all 65 photos from 2001 →
2000
A family project — Janine, James, Doniele, Kiki, Casey, Kevin, and Colby all built houses.
See all 23 photos from 2000 →
1999
Built with James, cousins Myra and Sabrina, friends Janelle, Anne, and Leah, and sister Julie.
See all 20 photos from 1999 →
1998 — The First One
Built by James, designed by Janine and her cousins Myra and Sabrina, and friends Janelle, Abigail, and Serena. Where it all started.
See all 6 photos from 1998 →The Recipe & Patterns
The gingerbread recipe I use is from Disney's Family Cookbook. I usually do two recipes for one house — it makes for thicker walls and leaves enough dough for gingerbread cookies too.
4½ cups all-purpose flour · 1 tablespoon cinnamon · 1½ teaspoons ginger · ½ teaspoon ground cloves · ½ teaspoon nutmeg · 1 teaspoon baking soda · ½ teaspoon salt · ¾ cup molasses · ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar · ½ cup butter, softened · 2 large eggs at room temperature
Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, beat the molasses, brown sugar, butter, and eggs. Mix in the flour a third at a time. Divide the dough into three or four disks, wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Roll and cut at 350°, bake about 10 minutes until brown at the edges, then cool on a rack.
We make the walls one day, build the house the next, and decorate on the third. Here are Julie's patterns for the walls, roof, and sides: