Is there anything more festive than gingerbread? It can take many forms – gingerbread cookies, gingerbread people, a gingerbread wreath or even a chocolate gingerbread advent calendar – but a decorated gingerbread house is a real spectacle. Baked gingerbread walls are ‘glued’ together with icing, then the house is abundantly decorated with colourful treats, making every component of the structure edible.

Advertisement

When it comes to the flavours of winter, aromatic cinnamon and ginger are always warm and comforting. With the help of a gingerbread house kit, you can create a Christmas centrepiece in your own kitchen.

Our favourite kits, below, include a range of ready-to-assemble gingerbread houses, made from pre-baked components accompanied by icing and sweet treats for decoration. There are also some sets that require baking, as well as an alternative offering for those who aren’t fans of gingerbread. We’ve found a gluten-free option, too, so no one misses out on the festivities!

There are supermarket gingerbread house options from M&S starting at just £5, plus more elaborate ideas from Not on the High Street and Lakeland to stretch your skills.

If you’re starting from scratch, Good Food’s Lulu Grimes will walk you through how to make gingerbread and offer her top tips for cutting, shaping and decorating the dough.

More like this

For more Christmas inspiration, visit our reviews section to find our best Christmas sandwich taste test, plus the ultimate foodie gift guide, our 5o budget Christmas gifts and the results of our Christmas Taste Awards. Discover more Christmas gifting inspiration with our best hampers, gin gifts or best baking gifts.

The best gingerbread house kits to buy 2023

Lakeland traditional gingerbread house kit

Lakeland gingerbread house

The large triangular, colourful box containing Lakeland’s traditional gingerbread house is so pretty, and that’s even before opening and finding the delightful contents inside. As well as pre-cut, baked gingerbread pieces, there’s the most charming little gingerbread family, plus a dog and two bags of Smarties for decorating. All that’s needed is an egg white, a few drops of lemon juice, and elbow grease to whip up the royal icing to glue everything together. The Lakeland set is so easy to use, it fits together beautifully, and the little family and Christmas tree make the finished house wonderful. Lakeland also do a gluten-free gingerbread house so everyone can enjoy it.

Available from:
Lakeland (£15.99)

Biscuiteers DIY pre-baked gingerbread kit

Biscuiteers gingerbread house kit

Presented in an ornately decorated square-edged tin, The Biscuiteers gingerbread house kit is a high-end treat that’s ready to assemble and suitable for the whole family. Inside, you’ll find the brand’s twice-baked gingerbread house pieces that have the snap you’d expect from gingerbread with the buttery crumble of shortbread. Vanilla-flavoured royal icing sugar, piping bags and an assortment of colourful decorations are also included. Alternatively, the brand’s gingerbread Christmas baubles DIY tin would make a perfect addition to any Christmas tree.

Available from:
Biscuiteers (£38)

Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate house kit

cadbury chocolate house

Although this isn’t your standard gingerbread house, this kit from Cadbury makes a great alternative. The compact kit comprises four firm Cadbury favourites: Dairy Milk Bar, Dairy Milk Winter Wonderland Edition, White Buttons and a Flake. Cement the walls together using melted Dairy Milk and decorate with the icing provided. For little elves who don’t enjoy the flavour of gingerbread, this Cadbury set ensures they can still have their fun.

Honeywell Biscuit Co gingerbread house kit

Honeywell Biscuit Company Gingerbread House Kit, best gingerbread kits

This kit starts you off making and baking the gingerbread, so it’s a great project for kids (and adults!) who love cooking. A template, recipe card, icing and sweets are all included, with a few extras to nibble on during the build. Buy this for your family or to give as a foodie gift – there’s also a gift-wrapping option which includes a personalised message.

Available from:
Honeywell Biscuit Co (£22.50)
Not on the High Street (£24.50)

Marks & Spencer Gingerbread House Kit

M&S Gingerbread House copy

The Marks and Spencer gingerbread house kit is the cheapest on our test at £5, and you get a lot of bang for your pennies. There’s no gingerbread or icing to make as it has all been done for you. Assembly is easy using the enclosed tray for support. And, as each gingerbread piece is meticulously scored where windows, doors and roof tiles are, the lines can be quickly filled using the enclosed icing tube with its plain nozzle. There are also decorative nozzles, sweets, and sugar decorations to use, so the house looks almost professional when finished. We loved this quality kit and its great price.

Available from:
Ocado (£5)

Gift ideas for Christmas

Best sweets subscriptions
12 of the best letterbox-friendly gifts by post
Our ultimate foodie gift guide
Best Advent calendars
Best marshmallow toasting kits
Best Christmas Cookie Cutters

More gingerbread recipes

Gingerbread loaf cake
Gluten free gingerbread
Ultimate easy gingerbread
Gingerbread latte
Gingerbread pancakes
Gingerbread cake with caramel biscuit icing
Lighter gingerbread
Gingerbread syrup

Advertisement

If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement