How to Make a Gingerbread House Mug Topper for the Perfect Christmas Drink
It’s that time of year again! Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some delicious Christmas baking? If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to decorate your hot cocoa or coffee this year, look no further. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a gingerbread house mug topper that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Not only will it make your drink look festive, but it’s also a great activity for kids to get involved in!
Over a decade ago, my journey into crafting these delightful creations began. It all started with a captivating image I stumbled upon on Pinterest. However, at that time, the mini house cutters we now conveniently have were absent from the market. This meant I had to rely on my trusty knife to meticulously cut each piece, estimating the dimensions of the house walls and the perfect slit for the mug rim. Undoubtedly, it was a challenge as the cookie pieces tended to spread while baking. Thankfully, times have changed, and now you can easily find mini house cutters in select stores or, of course, online at Amazon. Speaking from personal experience, the one I purchased has stood the test of time and fits most of my mugs flawlessly. Here is the direct link to the Amazon ones that I use in this recipe: Mini Gingerbread House Cookie Cutters
Not only can you find pre-measured mini house cutters, but I spotted these already made gingerbread house mug toppers at Costco this year!!!
So, if you are looking to have these already assembled and decorated for a Christmas party or event, check your local Costco!
To make the gingerbread house mug toppers, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You can use either a gingerbread cookie recipe or a sugar cookie recipe, depending on your preference. Below you’ll find my printable recipe card for the gingerbread house and the classic icing. Some basic ingredients you’ll need include flour, sugar, butter, and spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Once you’ve prepared your dough, roll it out and cut out your gingerbread house shapes using a template or cookie cutter.
Next, it’s time to decorate! You can use icing, sprinkles, candy canes, or any other festive toppings you like. Set up a decorating station and let your kids go wild with their creativity – the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your mini gingerbread houses. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained on a cold winter evening.
Now for the fun part – making your Christmas drink! Heat up your favorite holiday drink and pour it into the mug. The gingerbread house topper will add a touch of magic to your drink and make it feel extra special. This is a perfect activity for Christmas Eve movie night, as you can snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy your festive drinks together.
As you can see, making gingerbread house mug toppers is a fun and simple activity that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to decorate your drinks for a Christmas party, or just want a fun activity to do with the kids, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, why not give it a try this Christmas and impress your friends and family with your festive creations? Happy baking!
Gingerbread House Mug Toppers
Description
How to make gingerbread house mug toppers for the perfect Christmas drink! A festive DIY that is fun for the whole family!
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cookie Base
1 ½ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing
2 large egg whites, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
Cookie Houses:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until the dough is formed.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to ½ inch thickness.
- Cut out gingerbread house shapes using a cookie cutter or stencil.
- Place shapes on a lined cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool before using frosting to decorate the houses.
Icing Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whip egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar. Continue to mix for 30 seconds.
- Add in powdered sugar a little bit at a time mixing well.
- Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, turn mixer to high and continue beating until thick and the icing holds its shape (about 3-5 minutes).
