The festive season is upon us, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by creating a magical gingerbread house? These sweet treats have been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, and with the right template, you can create a show-stopping masterpiece that's sure to impress friends and family. In this article, we'll explore five large gingerbread house templates to print, along with expert tips and tricks to ensure your creation is a sweet success.
Benefits of Using a Gingerbread House Template
Using a gingerbread house template can save you time and stress when it comes to creating the perfect holiday treat. Here are just a few benefits of using a template:
- Accurate proportions: A template ensures that your gingerbread house is proportional and evenly sized, making it easier to assemble and decorate.
- Time-saving: With a template, you can skip the guesswork and get straight to baking and decorating, saving you hours of time and effort.
- Professional finish: A template helps you achieve a professional finish, with crisp lines and clean edges that make your gingerbread house look like it was made by a pro.
Template 1: Classic Gingerbread House Template
Our first template is a classic design that's perfect for beginners. This template features a simple, symmetrical design with a large front door and two smaller side doors. The roof is a classic triangle shape, making it easy to decorate with icing and candy.
Template specifications:
- Size: 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall
- Number of pieces: 6 (2 sides, 2 front and back, 1 roof, 1 base)
- Difficulty level: Easy
Printing and Using the Template
To print and use this template, simply follow these steps:
- Print the template on cardstock or heavy paper.
- Cut out the individual pieces along the dotted lines.
- Use the template to cut out your gingerbread dough, making sure to leave a 1/2 inch border around each piece.
- Bake and decorate your gingerbread house according to your favorite recipe.
Template 2: Victorian-Style Gingerbread House Template
For a more elaborate design, try our Victorian-style gingerbread house template. This template features intricate details, including scalloped edges and ornate windows. The roof is a complex design, with multiple peaks and valleys that add to the house's charm.
Template specifications:
- Size: 15 inches wide x 12 inches tall
- Number of pieces: 10 (2 sides, 2 front and back, 2 roof pieces, 2 chimneys, 2 base pieces)
- Difficulty level: Medium
Tips for Working with Intricate Templates
When working with intricate templates like this one, it's essential to take your time and be patient. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut out the intricate details.
- Make sure to leave enough dough around each piece to allow for even baking.
- Use a combination of royal icing and candy to decorate the house, as these can be used to create intricate details and designs.
Template 3: Modern Gingerbread House Template
For a more modern take on the classic gingerbread house, try our modern gingerbread house template. This template features clean lines, simple shapes, and a minimalist design that's perfect for those who prefer a more contemporary look.
Template specifications:
- Size: 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall
- Number of pieces: 6 (2 sides, 2 front and back, 1 roof, 1 base)
- Difficulty level: Easy
Decorating Ideas for Modern Gingerbread Houses
When decorating a modern gingerbread house, it's all about simplicity and restraint. Here are a few decorating ideas to get you started:
- Use a limited color palette, such as white and silver, to create a clean and modern look.
- Add simple details, such as icing stripes or candy dots, to add visual interest.
- Experiment with different textures, such as sanding sugar or coconut flakes, to add depth and dimension.
Template 4: Castle-Style Gingerbread House Template
For a truly regal gingerbread house, try our castle-style template. This template features a grand design, complete with towers, battlements, and a large front door. The roof is a complex design, with multiple peaks and valleys that add to the house's charm.
Template specifications:
- Size: 18 inches wide x 15 inches tall
- Number of pieces: 12 (2 sides, 2 front and back, 2 roof pieces, 2 towers, 2 battlements, 2 base pieces)
- Difficulty level: Hard
Tips for Working with Large Templates
When working with large templates like this one, it's essential to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure you have enough space to work on your gingerbread house, as large templates can be unwieldy.
- Use a combination of royal icing and candy to decorate the house, as these can be used to create intricate details and designs.
- Consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member, as large gingerbread houses can be a fun and rewarding project to work on together.
Template 5: Cabin-Style Gingerbread House Template
For a more rustic take on the classic gingerbread house, try our cabin-style template. This template features a cozy design, complete with a large front door, windows, and a sloping roof. The roof is a simple design, making it easy to decorate with icing and candy.
Template specifications:
- Size: 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall
- Number of pieces: 6 (2 sides, 2 front and back, 1 roof, 1 base)
- Difficulty level: Easy
Decorating Ideas for Cabin-Style Gingerbread Houses
When decorating a cabin-style gingerbread house, it's all about creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few decorating ideas to get you started:
- Use natural materials, such as twigs and pinecones, to create a rustic and earthy look.
- Add simple details, such as icing stripes or candy dots, to add visual interest.
- Experiment with different textures, such as sanding sugar or coconut flakes, to add depth and dimension.
What is the best way to store a gingerbread house?
+The best way to store a gingerbread house is in an airtight container, such as a plastic bin or a glass jar. This will help to keep the house fresh and prevent it from becoming stale or damaged.
How long does it take to make a gingerbread house?
+The time it takes to make a gingerbread house can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the amount of detail involved. On average, it can take anywhere from 2-5 hours to make a gingerbread house, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
What is the best way to decorate a gingerbread house?
+The best way to decorate a gingerbread house is with a combination of royal icing and candy. Royal icing can be used to create intricate details and designs, while candy can be used to add color and texture to the house.
We hope this article has inspired you to create your own magical gingerbread house using one of our five large gingerbread house templates to print. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these templates are sure to help you create a show-stopping masterpiece that's sure to impress friends and family. So why not get baking and decorating today, and make this holiday season one to remember?