5+ Printable Gingerbread House Templates [Free PDF Download]

The holiday season brings with it a wealth of traditions, and one of the most cherished is creating gingerbread houses. This edible craft combines creativity, family bonding, and delicious treats into one festive activity. 

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, having the right printable gingerbread house templates can make your project easier and more fun. From small to large, simple to fancy, there’s a template to suit every baker’s style. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of gingerbread houses, the benefits of using templates, and walk you through different designs to suit any skill level or project size.

The History of Gingerbread Houses

The story of gingerbread goes back to ancient times when ginger-flavored cakes and cookies were enjoyed by both the Greeks and the Chinese. However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that gingerbread, as we know it, started to become popular in Europe. 

By the 16th century, Germany had embraced the art of gingerbread making, and it was here that the gingerbread house tradition truly took off.

The connection between gingerbread houses and Christmas is thought to have been influenced by the Brothers Grimm and their famous fairytale, Hansel and Gretel, where two children come across a house made of sweets deep in the forest. This sparked the imagination of German bakers, who began crafting elaborate gingerbread houses to celebrate the holiday season. 

Today, building gingerbread houses has become a worldwide tradition, with big competitions and displays showcasing some truly extraordinary edible structures.

Why Use Gingerbread House Templates?

Building a gingerbread house may seem simple, but without the right guidance, it can be tricky to get the measurements and pieces just right. This is where gingerbread house templates come in handy. These printable designs help ensure that all the parts of your gingerbread house—whether small or large—fit together perfectly.

Templates also allow for customization and creativity. With different templates available, you can choose from simple designs for a basic gingerbread house or more complex and fancy ones that include extra features like chimneys and windows. Moreover, templates help bakers at all skill levels build confidently, reducing the chances of mistakes in cutting and assembly.

Using gingerbread house templates is the key to making this Christmas craft a success. Whether you’re working with cardboard, paper, or gingerbread dough, a template ensures that each piece is the perfect size and fits together just right. It also makes it easy to measure the pieces before you start assembling.

Let’s explore the five gingerbread house templates we have created for you. Each takes a different approach to gingerbread house design.

Template 1: Classic Gingerbread House

The classic gingerbread house template is perfect for those who want to keep things traditional. This template is perfect for beginners, offering a simple, straightforward structure that anyone can replicate. It includes four main parts: two sides, a front, and a back. The roof is separate, cut into two rectangular pieces. 

Features

• Front & Back Pieces: These pentagonal shapes give the house a traditional look. They are symmetrical, which makes them easy to cut and simple to assemble.
• Side Pieces: The rectangular side pieces create stability and are designed to ensure a big enough base for decorating.
• Roof Pieces: The roof pieces are large enough to cover the structure and are perfect for adding Christmas decorations like icing or candy.

This template is perfect for a small family project or for those just starting out. You can easily print the PDF version of this printable template at home, making it accessible and fun. With a DIY touch, you can customize your gingerbread house with different colors of icing and candy to match your holiday decor.

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Template 2: Simple Gingerbread House

This template offers a more detailed roof and floor layout for those looking for a sturdier structure. This ensures that your house not only looks good but is structurally sound.

Features

• Floor Layout: While you won’t cut the dough for the floor, this layout helps you measure and plan the structure. It’s great for ensuring that your house has a sturdy base, whether you’re using gingerbread, paper, or cardboard.
• Roof Layout: The larger roof pieces make it easier to assemble the top of the house and avoid gaps. You can also experiment with adding small windows or other decorations, giving the house a more fancy look.

This template is ideal for those who want their house to look polished and professional. You can download it as a free PDF, print it at home, and get started on your gingerbread project.

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Template 3: Festive Gingerbread House

For those looking to take their gingerbread house to the next level, this template adds intricate details such as a chimney and windows. It is ideal for bakers who want a fancy gingerbread house with extra character.

Features

• Chimney: The chimney pieces are small, but they add a charming touch to your house. You can even add Christmas decorations like candy canes or snowflakes around the chimney for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
• Windows: These small cut-outs allow you to experiment with edible glass (made from melted sugar) or to paint on intricate designs with royal icing.

This template is perfect for those looking for more than just a basic gingerbread house. It adds a fancy touch while still being easy to assemble. 

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Template 4: Small and Large Gingerbread House

Whether you want to create a mini gingerbread house or a big centerpiece, this template has you covered. It offers both small and large versions of the gingerbread house, making it adaptable for different needs and skill levels. 

Features

• Small House: The small house version is great for individual projects or party favors. It’s a simple design that’s easy to decorate and put together, making it ideal for kids.
• Large House: The large house version gives you more space to get creative. The big panels are perfect for adding lots of detail, from intricate icing designs to a full Christmas story scene on the roof or front yard.

Both templates can be printed and scaled to suit your needs, giving you the flexibility to make your gingerbread project as big or small as you want.

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Template 5: Christmas Gingerbread House

The final template is for those looking to create a substantial gingerbread house with an optional chimney for added flair. This template offers larger dimensions and more detailed cutting instructions, making it suitable for experienced bakers.

Features

• Front & Back Pieces: These big pieces offer a canvas for detailed decoration, from snow-covered roofs to candy cane door frames.
• Sides and Roof: The side pieces are rectangular, providing structure, while the roof pieces are large enough to cover the entire house and leave room for elaborate Christmas decorations.
• Optional Chimney: The inclusion of a chimney adds an additional decorative feature that can be customized with frosting or candy.

This design is perfect for experienced bakers or anyone looking for a challenge. You can easily download a free PDF of this template and adjust it to fit your needs.

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How to Use Gingerbread House Templates

Using gingerbread house templates is a crucial step in ensuring that your project is not only easy but also successful. Whether you’re crafting with paper, cardboard, or traditional gingerbread dough, following these templates ensures accuracy and proper fit for each part of the house. 

Let’s dive deeper into the steps for effectively using gingerbread house templates.

Step 1: Choose the Right Template

Before you begin, it’s essential to choose a gingerbread house template that matches your skill level and the scale of your project. If you’re building a mini house for a quick project, go with a small or simple template. 

On the other hand, if you want to create a holiday centerpiece or a big display, opt for a more intricate, large template.

Step 2: Print and Prepare Your Template

Once you’ve selected your template, it’s time to print it out. Our templates are available in PDF format, which you can easily download and scale to the desired size. 

Whether you’re working on a large house or a small one, make sure to print out the correct number of copies for each piece (e.g., two sides, two roof pieces, front, back, etc.).

If you’re using paper or cardboard, make sure the material is sturdy enough to hold the shape of the house. For those working with gingerbread dough, print the template and cut it out carefully, as you will be using these pieces as a guide for cutting your dough.

Step 3: Cutting the Pieces

After printing, the next step is cutting out your template pieces. Here’s how to ensure your cuts are precise:

• For Gingerbread Dough: Roll out your dough to the required thickness (about 1/4 inch is standard for gingerbread houses). Place the printable template pieces on top of the dough and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to carefully cut around the edges. The sharper the tool, the more accurate your cuts will be. 
• For Paper or Cardboard: If you’re making a non-edible craft version, using paper or cardboard is a great way to go. Once you have printed the template, glue it onto the material before cutting. This helps maintain the structure. 

Make sure your paper is thick enough for durability, especially if you’re building a large house. Cardboard is recommended for a sturdy big house design, especially if you’re adding decorative elements like Christmas lights or ornaments.

Step 4: Measuring for Accuracy

After cutting your gingerbread pieces, double-check the size of each part to ensure everything fits correctly. Measuring is particularly important for large houses or when using more intricate templates with fancy features like chimneys and windows. 

Here are a few tips for ensuring the measurements are accurate:

• Use a ruler: For a house with many features, measure each piece against the template to confirm consistency. Be sure the sides, front, and back pieces match up so the walls align seamlessly.
• Adjust the dough: Gingerbread dough expands during baking, so it’s a good idea to trim the edges of the baked pieces if they’ve grown too large. Rechecking measurements after baking is a critical step in ensuring your house will assemble correctly.

Step 5: Assembling the House

Once all your pieces are cut and measured, it’s time to start building your gingerbread house. Assembly is where precision and patience are needed.

• Royal Icing as the Glue: Use royal icing to attach the walls and roof. Royal icing dries hard and acts as an edible glue, making it perfect for construction. When working with a large or big house, apply a thick line of royal icing to ensure the walls stay together. Start by gluing the side walls to the front and back pieces. Hold the pieces together until the icing sets.
• Chill and Wait: Let the house dry completely before adding the roof. This step is crucial, especially for big houses that have more weight to support. If you rush the process, the structure might collapse under the weight of the roof.
• Roof Assembly: Once the walls are dry and stable, it’s time to attach the roof. Apply a generous amount of icing along the top edges of the house. Gently place the roof pieces on top, pressing them lightly to secure them. For more complex designs with features like a chimney, you might want to assemble the chimney separately and then attach it after the roof is secure.
• Support Structures: For big houses or houses with multiple levels, you might need to add interior supports (made from extra pieces of gingerbread or cardboard) to ensure the structure can handle the additional weight of decorations and icing. If you’re using cardboard, you can create internal braces that aren’t visible from the outside.

Step 6: Decorating Your Gingerbread House

Now comes the most fun part: decorating! Whether your house is small or large, the options for decorations are endless.

• Candy Roofs: Use candy like gumdrops, peppermints, or licorice to create roof tiles. Arrange them in neat rows for a fancy look, or mix and match for a more whimsical design.
• Colored Icing: Use different colors of icing to decorate the house. For a classic Christmas feel, stick with white for snow effects and green and red for accents. If you’re feeling adventurous, try coloring the house with vibrant blues, purples, or yellows.
• Windows: For houses with window cutouts, you can fill the space with melted sugar or gelatin sheets to create a stained-glass effect. This is an especially fancy touch for a big gingerbread house.
• Snowy Yards: If you want to create a winter wonderland, spread white royal icing across the base of the house to create a snow effect. Add edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once the decorations are in place, it’s time to let the gingerbread house set. For a big house, it’s recommended to leave it for several hours (or overnight) to ensure all the royal icing hardens and supports the structure.

You can also add decorative touches around the house. If you’re working with cardboard or paper, feel free to get creative with markers, cut out paper snowflakes, or add Christmas ornaments for a fancy and festive look.   

Conclusion

Creating a gingerbread house is a cherished holiday tradition, and with the right template, it’s a craft anyone can enjoy. From mini houses to big Christmas creations, these templates provide the perfect foundation for a festive and creative holiday season. 

Whether you’re a beginner using a simple classic template or an experienced baker crafting a detailed house complete with chimneys and windows, these templates provide all the guidance you need.

Choose the template that best suits your project, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create your own edible holiday masterpiece.