Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Gingerbread House?

As the festive season dawns, many are faced with the delightful dilemma: to build a gingerbread house from scratch or opt for a pre-made kit? On one hand, crafting from scratch might cost between $25 to $100, largely influenced by whether you already own baking tools and basic ingredients.

On the other, a pre-made kit ranges from $10 to $50, offering convenience at a set price. For those already equipped with baking essentials, going the homemade route can be more cost-effective.

However, for many, especially beginners or those without the necessary tools, a pre-made kit typically presents a more economical choice. Here is the break down of the costs of building a gingerbread house

The Cost of Building From Scratch

1. Ingredients: The main components of a gingerbread house include gingerbread dough, icing, and a variety of candies and decorations. Both are on this site already, in our construction gingerbread recipe and the royal icing recipe. To make the dough, you would need:

• Flour
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Eggs
• Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
• Baking soda

Most kitchens might already have some of these ingredients. However, if you’re buying everything afresh, the cost could add up, especially if you’re opting for organic or specialized ingredients.

2. Tools and Equipment: You’d need a rolling pin, baking sheets, parchment paper, and possibly cookie cutters or templates for the house pieces. Again, these might already be in your kitchen, but if not, there’s a one-time investment involved. The templates themselves do not have to cost anything, since our printable templates are free to download.

3. Decorations: This is where the expenses can vary significantly. If you’re someone who likes to go all out with candies, chocolates, gumdrops, sprinkles, and more, the cost can quickly accumulate. Our guide to candy for every part of the house covers what each type is worth buying for.

The Cost of a Pre-made Kit

A typical gingerbread house kit comes with:

• Pre-baked gingerbread pieces
• A pack of icing
• Assorted candies for decoration

The advantage here is convenience. Everything you need is in one box. The downside is that you might be paying for that convenience, and there’s less room for customization. We have priced thirty one kits against each other, and looked separately at what Walmart actually stocks.

Comparing the Costs

1. Quality and Quantity: Building from scratch means you can control the quality of ingredients, making it potentially healthier and tastier. However, buying in bulk or purchasing only what you need can lead to cost savings or overspending, respectively.
2. Customization: Creating your gingerbread house gives you the freedom to design it as you wish. This flexibility might lead you to spend more on unique decorations, whereas a pre-made kit limits you to the decorations provided. Our 45 decorating ideas show how far that freedom goes.
3. Time is Money: Making a gingerbread house from scratch can be time-consuming. If you value your time or if the process becomes too labor-intensive, a pre-made kit might be more cost-effective in the long run. The full build walkthrough sets out how long each stage really takes.
4. Experience: The joy of mixing, baking, and constructing can be a rewarding experience, especially when shared with loved ones. This experience might outweigh any potential savings from buying a kit.

Why you should consider building a gingerbread house from scratch – the emotion and traditional benefits

Building a gingerbread house from scratch with family and kids goes far beyond the mere act of creating a decorative piece; it’s an experience steeped in emotion and connection. Let’s delve into the profound emotional aspects of this cherished tradition.

1. Bonding Over Baking: Starting from mixing the dough to placing the final candy, the entire process allows families to collaborate, fostering closeness. Each step requires coordination and teamwork, making it a journey of collective effort.
2. Nurturing Creativity: For children, in particular, crafting a gingerbread house can be a canvas for imagination. Whether it’s deciding the color of the icing or the placement of candies, such choices encourage kids to express themselves, boosting their confidence.
3. Memory Making: Each gingerbread house becomes a tangible memory of a specific year and the moments shared. Many families remember past holidays by reminiscing about gingerbread houses they’ve created, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
4. Teaching Patience and Persistence: As anyone who has tried to balance a gingerbread wall can attest, it’s not always smooth sailing. These moments teach children (and sometimes adults) the value of patience, perseverance, and the joy of overcoming challenges.
5. Celebrating Achievements: The moment when the house stands firm, adorned with decorations, is a moment of collective pride. It’s a testament to the family’s combined effort and is celebrated as a shared achievement.
6. Instilling Traditions: Building a gingerbread house can be a cherished annual ritual. Such traditions give children a sense of continuity, connecting generations and imparting a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s cheaper to build your gingerbread house depends on various factors, including the ingredients you use, the tools you already have, the decorations you choose, and how you value your time. If you’re looking for a custom, hands-on experience and have the time, building from scratch might be the way to go. If convenience and saving time are top priorities, a pre-made kit might be the better choice.

Regardless of the route you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and the festive spirit that comes with it!