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by Chef's Pencil Staff
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Gingerbread houses are an irresistible Christmas tradition. Extravagant creations have long departed from the original inspiration – the witch’s cottage in the 200-year-old story Hansel and Gretel. Creations are ever more ambitious and extravagant as culinary artists vie for glory across the globe.
To date, no one has beaten Traditions Club in Texas, who, in 2013 created a house 18m long, 12m wide, and over 18m high! It’s not known how many people devoured the 35.8 million calories, or how much weight the population of Texas collectively gained by doing that.
But it’s not only about one gigantic creation. In 2017, the sous chef at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel gained his 4th world record for the largest gingerbread village. It was such an amazing creation that it was displayed at the New York Hall of Science.
But this art form never stands still. We’ve selected some of Christmas 2021’s most incredible gingerbread works of art – maybe they’ll inspire you to create a masterpiece of your own. As you’ll see, there’s no limit to what you can create!
1. It’s Choc O‘Clock!
You won’t need the clock on this fantastic gingerbread cathedral to tell you when it’s time to devour the delicious construction! Because the right time is right now!
2. A Pool? That’s So Cool!!
Talk about the house that’s got everything! Candies and fruits decorate this gem of a home that’s perfect for the upwardly-mobile forest-dweller. The adorable pool is just perfect for a midwinter dip!
3. Ginger-bready for Christmas?
The look in the little girl’s eyes as she marvels at that gingerbread village says it all! Christmas is almost here, it’s time to celebrate and that fabulous creation won’t last long!
This amazing gingerbread house was created by Chef Anton Pochtar, a Chef’s Pencil contributor.
4. Book now for the Gingerbread Hotel!
Take a look at the intricate interior details in this yummy hotel! Congratulations to the culinary artist in London’s landmark Britannia Hotel for this spectacular edible replica of his workplace.
5. History in the Baking
Every winding street in this snowy old town tells its own sweet story, and you’ll find a hidden treat round each corner!
6. Sweet Tribute to an Iconic Landmark
This scale model of the French-style Beijing Hotel and Nuo pays tribute to the 105-year edifice. Somehow we’re not expecting this masterpiece to last very long!
7. Hands off those baubles!
Trust the creators of the Magic Kingdom to create this amazing display! How long will visitors resist those yummy gingerbread popcorn decorations!
8. Variety is the Ice of Life!
Cottages getting a bit too samey? For the more glamorous witch, here’s 2-storey palace complete with snowy icing roof and gorgeous twisty candy pillars! Who wouldn’t be tempted to step inside -or take a bite out of that roof?
9. Get that Ginger Glow On!
A sweet and sophisticated tower shining with inner light, and dusted with just the perfect amount of snowy detail. Immaculate!
10. Pretty in Pink
Could this traditional gingerbread cottage be any prettier? Too cute for a wicked witch, it’s definitely more suited to a fairy godmother! Created to raise funds for the Child’s Protection Center, its doing good as well as looking good.
11. A Desirable Location
No ultra-cute Christmas village would be complete without a town hall, houses, a train, Christmas trees and of course plenty of edible inhabitants!
12. Fit for a snow queen!
Shimmering and decorated with snow-white icing. This glamorous yet bijou gingerbread house glitters in the cold creating a magical scene.
13. Erm- where’s the house gone?
Winner of 2021’s National Gingerbread House competition. Looks like the little people have already eaten the house!
14. Pink and Perfect
Warning! The cuteness factor is off the scale with this gingerbread cottage- complete with adorable woodland creatures.
15. Baby, it’s cold outside!
Mesmerizing Scandinavian snow scene. These houses are even lit from inside creating a wonderfully cozy feel on a freezing winter night. Hope no one eats the walls and lets the snow drift in!
16. There be dragons!
When an artist wants to create something magical, nothing says ‘magic’ more than Hogwarts castle! And those fearsome edible dragons are a captivating touch!
17. Dressed to Chill!
It’s the details that make this cute snowy gem so adorable – from the drapes that give a glimpse of the interior to the creamy chocolate button flagstones leading to the door. Adorable!
18. All Aboard the Santaland Express
Another spectacular hotel installation. Here the creator pulls out all the stops with this Gingerbread station and snowmen as passengers.
19. Sugar and Spice and What Incredible Artistry!
Can you believe the attention to detail that’s gone into these gorgeous creations! And can you imagine being brave enough to take a bite to find out if they taste as delicious as they look!
20. Look, don’t bite!
No time for baking? These festive metal houses (from Walmart), painted in full gingerbread style, make a fantastic centerpiece.
21. Edible Urban Chic
This modernistic ‘crazy house’, is an architectural masterwork, with gorgeous icy detailing. The perfect antidote to all those picture-book cottages.
22. There’s Snow Place Like Home!
This gingerbread house has every Christmas-themed decoration you could dream of – it even comes with a spacious porch for Santa to relax on once he’s done with the chimney thing!
23. California Themin’
A gingerbread house with cookie clouds, a happy sun, edible flowers, cookie dirt, and even blue sprinkles. An enchanting California take on the traditional theme, to remind us that Spring is on its way!
24. A Russian Winter
A huge number of windows, behind which lights twinkle – just like Moscow on New Year’s Eve! Spectacular detailing – look at those garlands of tiny baubles which link the 3 houses.
25. Christmas, Moomin-style!
This tasteful tower isn’t just gorgeous to look at, it’s tasty to eat! Love the detailing on the camel’s blanket and the lacy pattern of the ice on the ground!
26. Traditional elegance
Classic and cute cottage with Christmassy red and green detailing. And take a look at the gold hinges and door handle!
27. An architectural marvel
Christmas doesn’t come without a gingerbread house’ says the creator. But this year she stepped it up a little -with this ambitious gingerbread cathedral!
28.A colorful combination
Take 3 ideas, mix them together, and – voila! The team at Tony’s Bistro is bursting with pride about this scrumptious collaboration.
29. Naughty But Ice
According to Ms Miley Cyrus:“Pink isn’t just a color. It’s an attitude, too.” This gorgeous bejeweled pink cottage is sweet enough to melt any heart, but who’d be so naughty as to take the first bite?
30. Too Good to eat!
Festive art class alert!!! The Wild Ink Workshop creates the most gorgeous little paper ‘gingerbread’ houses ‘iced’ with paint and ink!
31. Dreaming of a pink Christmas?
Tiny gingerbread cottage with pointy roof – and a chimney that Santa will easily fit down to leave all those gifts.
32. Spooky and slightly sinister!
Had enough of reindeers, snowmen, and cute-as-pie cottages? These atmospheric dwellings, with their gloomy backdrop, are the perfect antidote!
33. And the Gingerbread Prize 2022 goes to…
This amazing gingerbread facade dusted with millions of Swarovski crystals and whimsical details. Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by this amazing installation in the heart of London. Our only grumble – it’s not edible!
Related: Best Italian Christmas Cookies
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Chef's Pencil Staff
Our editorial team is responsible for the research, creation, and publishing of in-house studies, original reports and articles on food trends, industry news and guides.
