Best Candies for Gingerbread Houses: A Comprehensive Guide

Gingerbread houses are a beloved holiday tradition enjoyed by people of all ages. These edible structures are not only visually appealing but also delicious to eat. The right choice of candies is crucial for creating a gingerbread house that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. This article explores the various types of candies commonly used for gingerbread house decoration, considering their suitability for different structural elements, decorative purposes, and special effects.

Popular Candy Selections for Gingerbread Houses

  1. Necco Wafers: Vintage candy with a powdery finish and pastel colors, perfect for creating scalloped roofs.
  2. Gumdrops: Sugary domes in various colors, ideal for lining the roof’s peak or placing around the house’s base.
  3. Spree: Colorful discs that can serve as roof tiles or be arranged to create designs on the walls.
  4. Lifesavers: Green Lifesavers are excellent for wreaths, while other colors can be used for decorations.
  5. Pull n Peel Twizzlers: Flexible skinny ropes, great for making bows, outlining windows, or hiding seams.
  6. Nerds: Tiny candy bits, perfect for creating ornaments on trees or tiny lights.
  7. M&Ms and Mini M&Ms: Holiday-colored candies, ideal for creating patterns and designs on the gingerbread house.
  8. Starlight Mints: Similar to candy canes, these mints can be used for wreaths, roofs, or pathways.
  9. Mini Charleston Chews: Chocolatey bricks, suitable for covering walls, roofs, or making fences.
  10. Hot Tamales: Red candies, perfect for use along seams or cut in half to resemble Christmas lights.
  11. Mike & Ikes: Similar to Red Hots, these candies can be used as lights, on roofs, or along seams.
  12. Mini Candy Canes: A must-have for gingerbread houses, used along the house’s corners or to make sleighs.
  13. Sweet Tarts: Sturdy and small, these candies are great for repeating patterns.
  14. Starburst: Candy clay that can be flattened and shaped into various forms, such as bowls for wreaths.
  15. Mini Marshmallows: For a neutral or snowy gingerbread house, these marshmallows can line the roof or decorate the walls.

Candy Types for Structural Elements

When selecting candies for structural elements, consider their ability to withstand weight and be easily cut or shaped.

  1. Graham Crackers: Sturdy and easy to cut, graham crackers are ideal for creating walls and roofs.
  2. Pretzel Rods: Can be used to create log cabin-style gingerbread houses.
  3. Golden Grahams: Perfect for “shingles” on the roof.
  4. Sugar Cones: Can be used to make trees when covered in green frosting.
  5. Butter Snap Pretzels: Resemble windows or can be used as a roof.

Decorative Candies

Decorative candies add visual interest and personality to gingerbread houses.

  1. Sprinkles: Various shapes and sizes, great for adding color and texture.
  2. Edible Glitter: Can be sprinkled on candies or used to create sparkling effects.
  3. Edible Paints or Food Coloring: Enhance the appearance of candies and create custom colors.

Edible Landscaping

Candies can also be used to create a landscape around the gingerbread house.

  1. Crushed Cookies: Resemble soil or gravel.
  2. Pretzels: Can be used to create fences or pathways.
  3. Candy Rocks: Add a natural touch to the landscape.

Special Effects and Finishing Touches

  1. Glittery or Sparkling Candies: Add a touch of magic to the gingerbread house.
  2. Edible Paints or Food Coloring: Enhance the appearance of candies and create custom colors.

Tips for Applying Candies

  1. Use Icing or Melted Chocolate: These adhesives help candies stick securely to the gingerbread house.
  2. Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to hold candies in place until the adhesive dries.

Safety Considerations

  1. Select Safe Candies: Choose candies suitable for consumption and consider potential allergies or choking hazards.
  2. Avoid Melting Candies: Some candies may melt or become too sticky in warm environments.

Conclusion

The selection of candies for gingerbread houses is crucial for creating visually appealing and structurally sound edible structures. By experimenting with various candies and following the tips provided, decorators can unleash their creativity and build stunning gingerbread houses that bring joy to the holiday season.

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FAQs

What types of candies are commonly used for gingerbread houses?

Candies like Necco Wafers, gumdrops, Spree, Lifesavers, Pull n Peel Twizzlers, Nerds, M&Ms, Starlight Mints, Mini Charleston Chews, Hot Tamales, Mike & Ikes, Mini Candy Canes, Sweet Tarts, Starburst, and Mini Marshmallows are popular choices for gingerbread house decoration.

What candies are suitable for creating structural elements like walls and roofs?

Sturdy candies like graham crackers, pretzel rods, Golden Grahams, sugar cones, and butter snap pretzels are suitable for creating structural elements due to their ability to withstand weight and be easily cut or shaped.

What candies can be used for decorative purposes on gingerbread houses?

Candies like sprinkles, edible glitter, edible paints or food coloring, and various decorative candies in different shapes, sizes, and colors can be used to add visual interest and personality to gingerbread houses.

How can I create a landscape around my gingerbread house using candies?

Crushed cookies, pretzels, candy rocks, and other candies can be used to create a landscape around the gingerbread house, resembling soil, gravel, fences, pathways, and other natural elements.

What are some tips for applying candies to a gingerbread house?

Use icing or melted chocolate as adhesives to help candies stick securely to the gingerbread house. Toothpicks can also be used to hold candies in place until the adhesive dries.

What safety considerations should I keep in mind when selecting candies for my gingerbread house?

Choose candies that are suitable for consumption and consider potential allergies or choking hazards. Avoid candies that may melt or become too sticky in warm environments.

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