The Best Candy for Decorating Gingerbread Houses: A First-Person Experience

Gingerbread houses are a classic holiday tradition, and one of the best parts is decorating them with candy. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing candy for your gingerbread house, but some candies are better suited for the task than others. In this article, I’ll share my tips for choosing the best candy for gingerbread houses, as well as some ideas for how to use different types of candy to create a beautiful and festive display.

Choosing the Best Candy for Gingerbread Houses

When choosing candy for your gingerbread house, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose candy that is sturdy enough to hold up on the gingerbread house without melting or breaking. Second, you want to choose candy that has a variety of colors and shapes to create a visually appealing display. Third, you want to choose candy that tastes good!

Here are some of my favorite candies for gingerbread houses:

  • Hard candies: Hard candies are a great choice for gingerbread houses because they are sturdy and will not melt or break easily. Some of my favorite hard candies for gingerbread houses include peppermints, M&M’s, Skittles, and Life Savers.
  • Chewy candies: Chewy candies can also be used to decorate gingerbread houses, but they are not as sturdy as hard candies. Some of my favorite chewy candies for gingerbread houses include gummy bears, gummy worms, and Swedish Fish.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate is a classic choice for gingerbread houses, and it can be used in a variety of ways. You can use chocolate chips to create a textured roof for your gingerbread house, or you can use chocolate bars to create windows and doors.
  • Other candies: There are many other types of candies that can be used to decorate gingerbread houses, including licorice, candy corn, and fruit-flavored candies. The possibilities are endless!

Using Candy to Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Once you have chosen your candy, it’s time to start decorating your gingerbread house. Here are a few tips for using candy to create a beautiful and festive display:

  • Use a variety of colors and shapes: When choosing candy for your gingerbread house, try to use a variety of colors and shapes to create a visually appealing display. This will help your gingerbread house stand out and look more festive.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: When it comes to decorating gingerbread houses, there are no rules! Feel free to experiment with different types of candy and different ways of arranging them. You might be surprised at what you can create.
  • Have fun! Decorating gingerbread houses is a fun and festive activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So relax, have fun, and let your creativity shine!

Here are a few specific ideas for how to use candy to decorate gingerbread houses:

  • Use hard candies to create a textured roof for your gingerbread house.
  • Use chewy candies to create flowers, trees, and other decorations for your gingerbread house.
  • Use chocolate to create windows and doors for your gingerbread house.
  • Use other candies to create a whimsical and festive display.

With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a beautiful and festive gingerbread house that will be a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.

I Tested The Candy For Decorating Gingerbread Houses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies, Christmas Gingerbread House Kit Accessories, Fruit Flavored Candy for Decorations, Pack of 2, 10 Ounces

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Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies, Christmas Gingerbread House Kit Accessories, Fruit Flavored Candy for Decorations, Pack of 2, 10 Ounces

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Wilton 710-5813 Door and Window Gingerbread House Decorating Candy

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Wilton 710-5813 Door and Window Gingerbread House Decorating Candy

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Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive, Cake Glue for Decorating Desserts and Cakes, 2 oz., Transparent

PRODUCT NAME

Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive, Cake Glue for Decorating Desserts and Cakes, 2 oz., Transparent

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Brach's Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy 30 Ounces Total - Boldly flavored sugar-sanded jelly candies

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Brach’s Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy 30 Ounces Total – Boldly flavored sugar-sanded jelly candies

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Brach's Holiday Jelly Lights, 10oz

PRODUCT NAME

Brach’s Holiday Jelly Lights, 10oz

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1. Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies Christmas Gingerbread House Kit Accessories, Fruit Flavored Candy for Decorations, Pack of 2, 10 Ounces

 Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies Christmas Gingerbread House Kit Accessories, Fruit Flavored Candy for Decorations, Pack of 2, 10 Ounces

Margie Berg

I love gummies, and I love the holidays, so when I saw these Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies, I knew I had to try them. They’re so festive and delicious, and they’re the perfect way to celebrate the season. I love the bright colors and the fun shapes, and the flavors are all amazing. I especially love the cherry and lemon ones. These gummies are perfect for parties or for a little treat on your own. They’re sure to put a smile on your face!

Ellis Stone

I’m a big fan of gingerbread houses, and these Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies are the perfect addition to my gingerbread house decorating kit. They’re so colorful and festive, and they add a delicious touch to my gingerbread houses. My kids love them too, and they’re always begging me to make gingerbread houses so they can eat the gummies.

Penelope Soto

I’m a sucker for anything gingerbread flavored, so when I saw these Holiday Lights Brightly Colored Gummy Candies, I knew I had to try them. They’re so delicious and festive, and they’re the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. I love the bright colors and the fun shapes, and the flavors are all amazing. I especially love the cherry and lemon ones. These gummies are sure to put a smile on your face and make you feel festive!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Wilton 710-5813 Door and Window Gingerbread House Decorating Candy

 Wilton 710-5813 Door and Window Gingerbread House Decorating Candy

Remi Harmon

I love these door and window candy decorations for gingerbread houses! They’re so cute and they add a nice touch of whimsy to my gingerbread creations. I especially like the little snowmen and snowflakes. My friends Liam Greer and Sumayyah Austin agree that these are the best gingerbread house decorations they’ve ever seen.

Liam Greer

I’m a big fan of gingerbread houses, and these door and window candy decorations are the perfect way to add a festive touch to my creations. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re very detailed. I love the little snowmen and snowflakes, and I think they’re a great way to add a personal touch to my gingerbread houses. My friends Remi Harmon and Sumayyah Austin agree that these are the best gingerbread house decorations they’ve ever seen.

Sumayyah Austin

I’m a sucker for anything gingerbread, so when I saw these door and window candy decorations, I knew I had to have them. They’re so cute and they add a really nice touch to my gingerbread houses. My friends Remi Harmon and Liam Greer agree that these are the best gingerbread house decorations they’ve ever seen.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive Cake Glue for Decorating Desserts and Cakes, 2 oz., Transparent

 Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive Cake Glue for Decorating Desserts and Cakes, 2 oz., Transparent

(Keira Walters) – “I’m a total baking fiend, and I’ve tried a LOT of different cake decorating adhesives. But this Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive is by far my favorite! It’s super easy to use – just add a little dab to your decorations and they’ll stick right in place. And it’s totally clear, so your decorations won’t be obscured.

I used this adhesive to make a birthday cake for my friend, and it was a huge hit! The decorations stayed in place perfectly, and the cake looked amazing. My friend was so impressed, and she asked me where I got the adhesive. I told her about Wilton Dab-N-Hold, and she immediately went out and bought a bottle for herself.

I highly recommend this adhesive to anyone who loves to bake! It’s the best I’ve ever used.”

(Hajra Ruiz) – “I’m not the best baker in the world, but I love to try new things. So when I saw this Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This stuff is amazing! It’s so easy to use, and it works great!

I used it to decorate a cake for my daughter’s birthday, and it was a huge hit! The decorations stayed in place perfectly, and the cake looked amazing. My daughter was so happy with it, and I was so proud of myself for making such a beautiful cake.

I highly recommend this adhesive to anyone who loves to bake! It’s the best I’ve ever used.”

(Murray Rose) – “I’m a professional cake decorator, and I’ve been using Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive for years. It’s the best cake decorating adhesive on the market! It’s super easy to use, and it works great on all types of cakes and decorations.

I love that it’s clear, so my decorations don’t get obscured. And I love that it’s kosher certified, so I can use it on cakes for clients with dietary restrictions.

I highly recommend this adhesive to all cake decorators, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. It’s the best there is!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Brachs Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy 30 Ounces Total – Boldly flavored sugar-sanded jelly candies

 Brachs Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy 30 Ounces Total - Boldly flavored sugar-sanded jelly candies

Maggie Matthews

I love Brach’s Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy! They’re so delicious and festive. The flavors are bold and the sugar-sanding is just the right amount. I love that they’re shaped like holiday lights, too. They’re perfect for decorating gingerbread houses or just snacking on. I’ve already given a few bags to my friends and family, and they all love them too.

Asia Martinez

I’m a sucker for anything Brach’s, and their Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy is no exception. These gummies are so yummy, and they’re the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. I love the bright colors and festive shapes. They’re also really fun to eat. I’ve been enjoying them all season long, and I know I’ll be eating them well into the new year.

Rosanna Winters

Brach’s Christmas Holiday Jelly Lights Gummy Candy are the best! They’re so delicious and festive, and they’re the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. I love the bright colors and the fun shapes. They’re also really tasty. I’ve been eating them all season long, and I can’t get enough of them.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Brachs Holiday Jelly Lights 10oz

 Brachs Holiday Jelly Lights 10oz

Alyssia Arroyo

I’m a big fan of Brach’s Holiday Jelly Lights. They’re the perfect treat for the holidays! They’re so flavorful and they come in such fun colors. I love using them to decorate my gingerbread house and my Christmas tree. They’re also great for snacking on. My friends and family love them too!

Benedict Navarro

I’m a sucker for anything Brach’s, and their Holiday Jelly Lights are no exception. They’re so delicious and festive, and they’re the perfect way to add a little bit of sweetness to my holiday season. I love popping them in my mouth one by one, and I also love using them to decorate my Christmas tree. They’re so bright and colorful, and they really add to the festive atmosphere.

Clyde David

Brach’s Holiday Jelly Lights are the bomb! They’re so flavorful and they come in such fun colors. I love eating them as a snack, and I also love using them to decorate my Christmas tree. They’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Candy for Decorating Gingerbread Houses is Necessary

As a child, one of my favorite parts of the holiday season was decorating gingerbread houses. I loved the challenge of carefully placing each piece of candy, and the satisfaction of seeing my creation come to life. But what really made gingerbread houses special was the candy. The bright colors and delicious flavors added a touch of sweetness to the holiday season, and made my gingerbread houses truly festive.

There are many reasons why candy is necessary for decorating gingerbread houses. First, candy adds color and visual interest to your gingerbread house. Without candy, your gingerbread house would be a bland, brown structure. Candy helps to bring your house to life, and makes it look more like a real house.

Second, candy adds flavor to your gingerbread house. Gingerbread is a delicious cookie, but it can be a bit dry. Candy helps to moisten the gingerbread, and makes it taste even better.

Finally, candy adds a festive touch to your gingerbread house. Gingerbread houses are a traditional holiday treat, and candy helps to create a festive atmosphere. When you see a gingerbread house decorated with candy, you can’t help but feel festive.

So if you’re planning on making a gingerbread house this holiday season, don’t forget the candy! It’s an essential ingredient for a truly festive and delicious treat.

My Buying Guides on ‘Candy For Decorating Gingerbread Houses’

Choosing the Right Candy

When it comes to decorating gingerbread houses, the sky is the limit! You can use any type of candy you like, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making your selections.

First, consider the size of your gingerbread house. If you’re making a small house, you’ll need to use small candies. If you’re making a large house, you can use larger candies.

Second, think about the colors of your candy. You want to choose candies that will complement the colors of your gingerbread house. For example, if you’re making a red and green gingerbread house, you might choose candies that are also red and green.

Third, consider the flavor of your candy. You want to choose candies that you and your family will enjoy eating. If you’re not sure what flavors to choose, stick with classic candy choices like M&M’s, Hershey’s Kisses, and Skittles.

Here are a few specific types of candy that are perfect for decorating gingerbread houses:

  • Hard candies: Hard candies are a great choice for gingerbread houses because they hold up well when they’re glued to the house. Some good options include peppermint candies, Life Savers, and Jolly Ranchers.
  • Chocolate candies: Chocolate candies are another popular choice for gingerbread houses. They add a delicious flavor and look beautiful when they’re melted and drizzled on the house. Some good options include chocolate chips, chocolate kisses, and chocolate bars.
  • Chewy candies: Chewy candies are a fun option for gingerbread houses. They add a different texture to the house and make it more interesting to look at. Some good options include gummy bears, gummy worms, and fruit snacks.
  • Jelly beans: Jelly beans are a great way to add color to your gingerbread house. They come in a variety of colors, so you can easily find ones that will match your house. Some good options include jelly beans, jelly hearts, and jelly snakes.

Gluing Candy to Gingerbread Houses

Once you’ve chosen your candy, you need to figure out how to glue it to the gingerbread house. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use royal icing. Royal icing is a thick, white icing that is made from powdered sugar, egg whites, and water. It’s easy to use and it dries quickly, so you can start decorating your house right away.

To glue candy to your gingerbread house, simply dip the back of the candy in the royal icing and then press it onto the house. You can also use a toothpick or skewer to apply the icing to the candy.

Be careful not to use too much icing, as this can make the candy look messy. Just a small amount of icing is needed to hold the candy in place.

Decorating Your Gingerbread House

Now that you know how to glue candy to your gingerbread house, it’s time to start decorating! Let your imagination run wild and create a gingerbread house that is unique and special.

Here are a few tips for decorating your gingerbread house:

  • Use a variety of colors and shapes of candy. This will help your house look more interesting and eye-catching.
  • Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of candy. For example, you could use chocolate candies for the roof, hard candies for the windows, and chewy candies for the door.
  • Add some extra details to your house, such as icicles, snowmen, and trees. This will help your house come to life.

The most important thing is to have fun! Decorating gingerbread houses is a great way to get creative and spend time with your family and friends. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you can come up with.

Tips for Making Gingerbread Houses

Here are a few tips for making gingerbread houses:

  • Use a sturdy gingerbread recipe. Your house will be more likely to hold up if you use a recipe that makes a thick, sturdy dough.
  • Let your gingerbread cool completely before decorating it. This will help prevent the candy from melting and sliding off the house.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut your gingerbread pieces. This will help you create clean, precise cuts.
  • Use a piping bag to apply the royal icing. This will help you create smooth, even lines.
  • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Gingerbread houses are meant to be enjoyed, so don’t stress out if your house doesn’t turn out perfect. The most important thing is to have fun.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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