There are always people on your Christmas list that are hard to please. That is why I started making edible gifts for people on my list. You know they will be the right size, they will not be returned and, of course, they will be a joy to eat!

I am sharing with you one of my favorite treats from the kitchen to make and give this year. Little Gingerbread House Mug Toppers, perfect for hot chocolate season! To give as a gift, I just place a package of hot cocoa, some marshmallows in a Christmas mug, and perch my cookie house on the edge. I then wrap with cellophane and finish with a bow, and I have the perfect sweet gift everyone will love. I always make a few extras for hostess gifts, teacher’s presents and for those occasions when you need a last minute gift. This is the perfect idea for all. Just make sure to make one for yourself so you can sit back, admire your hard work and enjoy the holidays!

Gingerbread Mug Toppers Template (PDF, 12k)

Gingerbread

  • 1 stick (½ cup) Challenge Butter, softened
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoon water

Royal Icing

  • 3 ¾ cup (1 pound) powdered sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons powdered egg whites (easily found in craft or baking stores)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ¼ cup water
  • Food coloring, if desired
  • Small candies, if desired

Directions

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  • 2

    In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together. Slowly add flour and water to create a very stiff dough. Chill for 30-40 minutes.

  • 3

    Roll out gingerbread dough to 1/8 of an inch on parchment paper. Keep rolled dough on the paper as you transfer it to a cookie sheet. Leaving dough on cookie sheet, place cookie patterns on dough. Cut out pieces for houses using the tip of a sharp knife. Remove surrounding dough, leaving the house piece on cooking sheet. This will help not to distort your house pieces.

  • 4

    Bake in oven for about 10 minutes or until light golden brown around edges and dough feels firm. Let cool.

  • 5

    To make icing, mix all ingredients together until smooth and shiny. Icing can be separated and colored if desired. Place icing in piping bag to assemble and decorate houses.

  • 6

    To assemble, “glue” together all sides of house together with royal icing. Add roof and decorate as desired! Adding cookie decorations and sprinkle create a festive look. Let thoroughly dry before moving.