Gingerbread houses are a beloved tradition during the holiday season. Whether you make them from scratch or buy a pre-made kit, decorating them is where the fun really begins. However, the most challenging part of gingerbread house decorating is getting the icing just right. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best store bought icing options that will make your gingerbread house decorating a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of store bought icing (white, green, red, or any color of your choice)
- Food coloring (if you want to customize the color of your icing)
- Sugar decorations (optional)
Instructions:
- Open the can of icing and stir well until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- If you want to customize the color of your icing, add a few drops of food coloring and mix well.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small hole cut in the corner to pipe the icing onto your gingerbread house.
- Add sugar decorations, candies, and other embellishments as desired.
Nutritional Information:
Store bought icing typically contains sugar, water, and other ingredients. The nutritional information will vary depending on the brand and flavor you choose.
Cooking Time:
There is no cooking time for store bought icing. It is ready to use right out of the can.
Equipment:
- Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag
- Scissors (if using a sandwich bag)
- Decorations, candies, and other embellishments
Serving Suggestions:
Store bought icing is perfect for decorating gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, and other holiday treats.
Variations:
You can customize the color of your icing by adding food coloring. You can also mix different colors together to create unique shades.
Substitutions:
If you prefer to make your own icing from scratch, you can find many recipes online. However, store bought icing is a convenient option that saves time and effort during the busy holiday season.
Storage:
Store bought icing should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips:
- If your icing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a few drops of water and stirring well.
- If your icing is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little bit of powdered sugar and stirring well.
- Be creative with your decorating! The possibilities are endless.
Notes:
Store bought icing is a convenient option for those who want to save time and effort during the busy holiday season. However, if you prefer to make your own icing from scratch, there are many recipes available online.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store bought icing on other holiday treats?
Yes, store bought icing can be used to decorate gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and other holiday treats.
Can I mix different colors of icing together?
Yes, mixing different colors of icing together can create unique shades that will make your decorating stand out.
How long does store bought icing last?
Store bought icing can last for several months if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Personal Thoughts:
As someone who loves to decorate gingerbread houses during the holiday season, I highly recommend using store bought icing to make your decorating experience easier and more enjoyable. With a variety of colors to choose from and the convenience of being ready to use right out of the can, store bought icing is a great option for anyone looking to save time and effort during the busy holiday season.
To summarize, the best store bought icing for gingerbread houses is a convenient option that saves time and effort during the busy holiday season. With a variety of colors to choose from and the ability to customize the color by adding food coloring, store bought icing is a versatile decorating tool that will make your gingerbread house decorating a breeze. Give it a try and see for yourself!