The holiday season brings many cherished traditions, and few are as sweet as building a gingerbread house. Families gather around tables piled with gingerbread slabs, colorful candies, and sticky icing, ready to construct their edible masterpieces. This year, one talented TikTok creator is helping everyone elevate their gingerbread game with a few simple yet genius tips.
Jackelinne, who goes by @jackelinnepastry on the platform, is a pastry artist whose stunning creations have captivated users around the world. In a recent video that has already garnered more than 72,000 likes, she shares simple secrets for building a truly magical gingerbread house, turning a simple craft into a work of art. Her advice is inspiring thousands to rethink their approach to this festive activity.
So, what are these game-changing tips? Jackelinne breaks it down into four key elements that add instant “curb appeal” to any gingerbread building, from houses and churches, to barns and greenhouses.
Creating Glass Windows
First, she tackles one of the most charming features: the windows. Instead of leaving them as simple cutouts, she creates realistic “glass” panes. She demonstrates three brilliant methods to achieve this effect. You can use isomalt, a sugar substitute that melts into a clear, glass-like sheet. Gelatin sheets offer another easy alternative. For a touch of color, she suggests melting down Jolly Rancher hard candies to create beautiful, stained-glass windows that catch the light.
Decorating with Icing
Her second tip focuses on adding intricate detail with icing. Jackelinne expertly pipes delicate, decorative elements onto the window frames and doors. This simple step adds a layer of elegance and dimension, making the house look professionally crafted. With a steady hand and a piping bag, anyone can add swirls, dots, and lines to create a custom, polished look.
Adding Festive Greenery
Next, she brings the house to life with a touch of nature. Using green-tinted icing, she adds festive greenery like wreaths on the doors and garlands draped along the roofline. This small detail provides a pop of color and makes the gingerbread structure feel like a real home decorated for the holidays.
Illuminating with Fairy Lights
Jackelinne’s final tip is perhaps the most magical. To complete the enchanting scene, she sets “fairy lights” inside the finished house. The warm glow of the battery-operated lights shines through the “glass” windows, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance that truly brings the entire creation to life.
TikTok users have flooded the comments section with praise and admiration. “That’s literally the most beautiful gingerbread house I’ve ever seen,” commented one amazed viewer. Another user humorously added, “My toxic trait is thinking I can actually do this,” capturing the mixed feelings of inspiration and intimidation many of us feel, admiring the flawless structures.
In a delightful exchange, Jackelinne replied, “My toxic trait is not knowing when to stop,” showcasing the passion and fun that goes into her work.
@jackelinnepastry ✨HOT TIPS✨ to take your Gingerbread House to the next level. 1. Add glass to all windows and doors (I used isomalt in the video) *BONUS: use clear sprinkles for that post-rainy effect 2. Pipe decorative elements onto your windows and doors (I’m a sucker for a good window pattern, so I committed full on with my Georgian Revival gingy) 3. Add greenery accents throughout. (This always makes my houses stand out!) Save these tips for when you make your Gingerbread House! #gingerbread #gingerbreadhouse #tips #tipsandtricks #diy ♬ original sound – Jackelinne Pastry
Making gingerbread houses is more than just a holiday craft, it’s a tradition that brings generations together. Making memories, sharing laughter, and creating something special with loved ones is such a special part of the Christmas season. With these delightful tips from a talented creator, families can take that beloved tradition to a whole new level, building not just a gingerbread house, but a magical holiday centerpiece filled with light and love.
