Gingerbread House Kit Faqs

Wilton has several different types of gingerbread kits for you to decorate with your family! Start this fun holiday tradition today with ready-to-assemble or preassembled Wilton Gingerbread House or Cookie Kit. All the icing and candy are included.

Here are some facts about our kits to help you have the best Gingerbread House or Cookie Kit experience possible.

How long do gingerbread kits stay fresh?
How do I make the icing?
How can I preserve a decorated gingerbread house or cookie kit?
How can I store icing for the gingerbread kit if I need to finish the project the next day?
Are gingerbread kits edible?
How should I store my gingerbread kit?
One of my gingerbread pieces was broken when I opened the box. Can it be put back together and used?
I can't find my Gingerbread Instructions. Where can I find a copy?

How long do gingerbread kits stay fresh?

Our gingerbread kits are freshest if used within 12 months. It is best to use the kit during the current season, but if it is not used immediately it should be stored in a cool, dry place. We are unable to guarantee the product freshness or quality if held for the next season.

If you plan to keep your decorated house or cookie kit longer than the current season, consider assembling with a hot glue gun, then cover the dried glue with icing. To further strengthen your house or cookie kit, cut cardboard pieces that are the same shape as the gingerbread pieces, then glue the gingerbread and the cardboard together prior to assembly. Remember that making gingerbread houses or cookie kits each season can be a great family tradition, so we suggest enjoying the experience with a new one each holiday.

How do I make the icing?

Locate the icing packet amount for your kit below and follow the instructions:

4 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water, 1/4 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.
6 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water, 1/4 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.
8 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water, 1/4 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.
10 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 3 Tbsp of warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water 1/2 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.
16 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 4 Tbsp plus 1 tsp warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water, 1/2 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.
20 oz. bag	In a mixing bowl, combine contents of icing packet with 5 Tbsp plus 1 tsp warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for one minute. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thick and smooth. Icing will not be fluffy, but will be the consistency of toothpaste. If icing is too thick, add additional water 1/2 tsp at a time. If too thin, add additional sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 Tbsp at a time.

How can I preserve a decorated gingerbread house or cookie kit?

There are several ways to preserve your gingerbread house or cookie kit.

You can spray the house or cookie with crystal clear acrylic spray (purchased from a paint store).
If the kit you assembled the house yourself, then reinforce the inside of the house with cardboard cut to fit the pieces and hot glue them to the inside of the gingerbread pieces. Then assemble./li>

Please note, if you choose to preserve your kit in the above method(s), the house or cookie will no longer be edible.

How can I store icing for the gingerbread kit if I need to finish the project the next day?

It's ideal to complete your building and decorating in one sitting since the icing is designed to dry hard. If you must hold your prepared icing, place it in a small bowl and keep covered with a damp cloth. When filled bag and tip are not in use, cover with a damp cloth and seal in a plastic bag.

Are gingerbread kits edible?

All gingerbread, candy, and icing in the kits is edible. Remember that if your gingerbread house or cookie kit is displayed for a period of time, it will lose its freshness and may no longer be in ideal condition for eating.

How should I store my gingerbread kit?

It is our recommendation that the unopened gingerbread kits be stored in a cool, dry place.

One of my gingerbread pieces was broken when I opened the box. Can it be put back together and used?

Certainly. Just use the prepared icing to "glue" the kit pieces together. Put icing between the two parts, press together. Let it dry for a couple hours to assure stability.