Mini Gingerbread Houses for the Edge of a Mug

Remember the sugar hearts I made to hang on the side of a cup?  Well, last year I bookmarked these amazing mini gingerbread houses for the edge of a mug and vowed to make them this year.  Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen them featured on many different blogs and I couldn’t wait to make some.

Let me just say, the creator of these houses is much better at baking than I am.  They’re not quite as easy as they look.  Mine turned out a bit bigger than they should have and perhaps next time, reading the directions first would be a great idea {wink}.  I did use the templates provided and one of Martha Stewart’s classic gingerbread recipes {the recipe uses black pepper and the taste is spicy and amazing}.  

How to Attach Gingerbread Houses with Melted Sugar

I followed the directions in the original post with one exception.  Rather than using royal icing to attach the houses, I used melted sugar glue to hold the sides and roof together.  I always have much better luck with this technique and the sugar hardens immediately so there’s much less chance of the house falling down.  To make melted sugar glue, pour sugar into a heavy pot {the amount will depend on how many houses you’re making}, place over medium heat and stir it often.  The sugar will melt completely in about five or ten minutes.  Be extremely careful not to burn yourself with the melted sugar!  Carefully dip the edges of the baked gingerbread into the sugar and immediately press it against the edge you want it to adhere to.  It will cool almost instantly and the sides will be joined.

Despite a few flaws in these mini gingerbread houses, my kids thought they were delightful …

… and they added a really fun and festive touch to the hot cocoa!

Embellish the roofs any way you want or let the kids decorate their own mini gingerbread houses!

Or just let them eat the icing, hands-free {wink}.

For another cute gingerbread house idea, check out this gingerbread house gift idea that’s perfect for a neighbor or friend!