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Easter Sugar Cookie House (Easy Spring Bunny Cottage)
Make an adorable Easter sugar cookie house with jelly bean eggs, piped buttercream grass, and a bunny detail on the back. Easy, kid-friendly spring build!
Easter Sugar Cookie House with piped grass, jelly bean eggs, and pastel buttercream details. A fun and easy spring baking project for kids.
Easter Sugar Cookie House (Easy Spring Bunny Cottage!)
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I will take any excuse to build a sugar cookie house.
🎄 Christmas? Obviously.
💘 Valentine’s Day? Pink doors, yes please.
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day? Leprechaun trap activated.
At this point, building seasonal sugar cookie houses has basically become a tradition in our house — and I love finding new ways to decorate the same simple base.
And now… we have our Easter Bunny Cottage. 🐰💐
This sweet little spring house is decorated with jelly bean eggs, piped buttercream grass (which honestly MAKES the whole thing), tiny egg “tulips,” and a bunny surprise on the back. It’s cheerful, colorful, and surprisingly simple to make.
If you’ve already made one of our houses, this one will feel super easy. And if you haven’t — don’t worry, I’ll link everything you need.
Simple pantry staples are all you need for a sugar cookie house — flour, sugar, butter, and a little vanilla magic.
Why I Make a Sugar Cookie House (Instead of Gingerbread)
I’ll be honest — I’m just not a huge fan of gingerbread.
It’s beautiful. It smells festive. But the taste? Not my favorite.
And if you’ve ever built a traditional gingerbread house, you know it can be:
Hard to cut
Hard to chew
And sometimes hard to get kids excited about eating
That’s why I started making sugar cookie houses instead.
They’re:
✔️ Softer
✔️ Sweeter
✔️ Easier to work with
✔️ And honestly more fun to decorate
Plus — my sugar cookie dough does not include eggs, which gives it a sturdier structure than many “no eggs” gingerbread recipes that have been trending lately. My frosting recipe does not have eggs either as I worry about raw eggs in the icing since I actually consume it (after I admire it for a day or 2).
If you’ve searched for:
no eggs gingerbread house
gingerbread house alternative
easy cookie house template
You’re in the right place.
My go-to sugar cookie house template — simple, sturdy, and way easier than gingerbread.
I use the same simple, sturdy template for all of my seasonal houses — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and now Easter.
You can grab the printable template here:
👉 Printable Sugar Cookie House Template
It’s designed to bake flat, assemble easily, and hold up to lots of buttercream and candy.
Why I Love This One
This house feels:
✔️ Bright
✔️ Happy
✔️ Kid-friendly
✔️ Totally customizable
The pastel jelly bean eggs give it that instant Easter vibe. But the real star? The piped buttercream grass.
That little textured border around the base pulls everything together and makes it feel polished — even if your walls aren’t perfectly straight (mine rarely are 😉).
And the back might be my favorite part…
Back view of the Easter sugar cookie house featuring a piped bunny silhouette, buttercream grass, and pastel candy tulips.
The Bunny + Tulip Details 🐰🌷
On the back of the house, I piped a simple white bunny silhouette.
Nothing complicated — just a basic shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, a slightly imperfect bunny feels even more charming.
I’ve made enough sugar cookie houses over the years to know that “perfect” isn’t the goal — fun is. None of my houses are flawless, but every single one has been full of creativity (and a lot of buttercream).
Then I added little “tulips” made from tiny egg-shaped candies pressed into piped green stems.
It’s such an easy way to create dimension without complicated piping techniques.
If you can pipe:
A line
A blob
And grass
You’ve got this. If I can make this house, you absolutely can too.
Watch How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House (Timelapse)
Want to see how it all comes together?
Here’s a quick timelapse of assembling this Easter bunny cottage — from panels to piped grass to jelly bean eggs.
It always amazes me how a few flat cookie pieces turn into a full little spring house.
Watch how to assemble an Easter sugar cookie house step-by-step in this quick timelapse. See how the panels come together, how the buttercream holds everything in place, and how easy it is to decorate.
How to Pipe Grass, Bunnies & Easy Tulips
You don’t need fancy decorating skills for this house — just a few simple piping tricks and the right buttercream consistency.
Once you get the hang of it, decorating is the fun part.
🌱 Piping Buttercream Grass
The grass around the base is what really makes this house feel finished. It hides seams, frames the cottage, and instantly gives it that spring look.
What to use:
A grass tip (I used the Wilton #233 grass tip or #29)
Or snip tiny slits into the end of a piping bag
How to pipe it:
Hold the bag straight up and down if you want the grass to stand upright
Or hold it slightly sideways and squeeze around the house like I did here
Squeeze, pull up slightly, release
Repeat around the base
Short squeezes create fluffy texture. Don’t drag — just squeeze and lift.
That texture instantly makes the house feel complete.
🐰 How to Pipe a Simple Bunny
The bunny on the back looks detailed, but it’s really just a silhouette.
Keep it simple:
Start with a small oval for the body
Add a circle for the head
Two long ears
A tiny tail
That’s it.
You’re not drawing a realistic rabbit — just a sweet shape. Slightly imperfect actually makes it softer and cuter.
🌷 Easy Candy Tulips
These are my favorite little shortcut.
Instead of piping full flowers, I did this:
Pipe a small green stem
Press a tiny egg-shaped candy at the top or you can pipe an egg-shape with frosting
Done
It’s the easiest “flower” trick ever and adds instant color and dimension.
Need more inspiration? Check out my favorite Sugar Cookie House Pinterest Board for design inspiration!
Buttercream Consistency Tip (Very Important!)
If your icing is too soft, everything will slump.
If it’s too stiff, your hand will hurt.
You want it thick enough to:
Hold its shape
Stand up when piped
Not slide down the walls
When you dip a spoon into your frosting, it should hold a soft peak at the end.
That’s the sweet spot.
A Few Icing Tips I’ve Learned Over the Years
After making more sugar cookie houses than I can count, here are a few small tricks that make decorating easier:
Save white icing for glue first.
If you’re making colored frosting, set aside enough white buttercream to assemble your house. You can always turn white icing into another color — but you can’t turn green back into white without making more.Use a glass to fill your piping bags.
After inserting your piping tip, place the bag inside a pint glass and fold the top of the bag over the rim. Spoon your icing in. It keeps everything clean and makes filling so much easier.
Decorating sugar cookie houses should feel fun — not stressful. A little prep goes a long way.
I always decorate the panels first — way easier than trying to pipe on a standing house.
What I Used to Decorate the Easter Cottage
I had a good time shopping the Easter candy aisle for this one! My design developed in my head as I selected my decorations.
My classic sugar cookie house dough (same recipe from my original post)
Buttercream icing for decorating
Jelly bean eggs
Tiny egg-shaped candies for tulips
Spring sprinkle mix (optional but fun)
A grass piping tip (or just snip your piping bag!)
If you need the base recipe + template, start here:
👉 How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House (Recipe + Template Included)
👉 Or grab the printable in the shop here:
Printable Gingerbread House Kit
If you’re new to this series, you’ll also love:
💕 Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
🍀 Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House
🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie House
📘 The Sugar Cookie House Guide
They all use the same easy base build.
How to Make It Feel “Easter”
You don’t need special cutters. Just change the decor:
Pastel colors instead of bold Christmas tones
Jelly bean eggs instead of gumdrops
Grass around the base
A bunny detail on the back
Tiny candy flowers
That’s it.
Same structure. Totally different vibe.
Tips for Success
1. Let Your Walls Cool Completely
Spring sugar cookie dough can soften quickly. Fully cool walls before assembly.
2. Use Thicker Buttercream for Structure
You want your icing thick enough to hold shape — especially for the roof and grass.
3. Pipe the Grass Last
It’s the finishing touch. Once it goes on, the whole house looks complete.
Spring baking just got a whole lot cuter 🐰🌷
Make It a Family Tradition
I love how this series has evolved.
What started as a Christmas gingerbread alternative has turned into a year-round decorating tradition.
And I honestly think this Easter version might be one of the cutest yet.
It’s sweet without being complicated.
Colorful without being chaotic.
And festive without needing a single gingerbread spice!
If you make one, tag me @thesweetestescapes — I love seeing your houses come to life.
And if you want to build your own, grab the template and start here:
Spring baking just got a whole lot cuter. 🐣💕
The Trucks That Saved the Park — a colorful, rhyming picture book about teamwork, nature, and building something beautiful together.
NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK - THE TRUCKS THAT SAVED THE PARK
If you’re putting together Easter baskets this year, this little cookie house pairs perfectly with a spring book and a few colorful treats. We’ll actually be celebrating the release of The Trucks That Saved the Park on March 14 — and I can’t think of a sweeter way to welcome spring than books, baking, and a little creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making an Easter Sugar Cookie House
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for a sugar cookie house?
You can, but I recommend a sturdier homemade dough if you want your house to hold up well. Store-bought dough tends to spread more, which can make assembly tricky. If you’re following my template, my sugar cookie house recipe is designed to bake flat and strong.
What kind of icing works best for assembling a cookie house?
Thick buttercream works beautifully for decorating, but you’ll want it sturdy enough to act as “glue.” The icing should hold a soft peak when you lift a spoon — not runny, and not stiff like cement. If it’s too soft, the walls may slide. If it’s too stiff, piping will be difficult.
How do you pipe grass with buttercream?
To pipe buttercream grass, use a grass tip like the Wilton #233 or #29, or snip tiny slits into a piping bag. Hold the bag straight up and down, squeeze gently, pull up slightly, and release. Short squeezes create fluffy texture that looks just like spring grass.
How far in advance can I make a sugar cookie house?
You can bake the panels 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Once assembled and decorated, the house will stay fresh for several days at room temperature. Just keep it in a cool, dry place.
Do I need special tools to make an Easter sugar cookie house?
No special tools are required. A piping bag (or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped), a basic piping tip, and simple Easter candies are all you need. The decorations are what make it feel seasonal — not fancy equipment.
Love this Easter sugar cookie house?
📌 Don’t forget to pin it so you can come back and build your own bunny cottage later!
More Sweet Posts:
Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House 🍀
Turn a sugar cookie house into a magical leprechaun trap! This fun St. Patrick’s Day activity includes a rainbow path, “Free Gold” door, and gold coin bait kids will love.
Leprechaun trap sugar cookie house with gold coins, and “Free Gold” front door for St. Patrick’s Day.
A Magical St. Patrick’s Day Treat for Kids
If you’re looking for a fun St. Patrick’s Day tradition that’s equal parts creative, festive, and delicious, this Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House is it. Instead of a paper or shoebox trap, we’re turning a classic sugar cookie house into a playful leprechaun trap—complete with a rainbow path, shiny gold coins, and a tiny front door that’s just too tempting for a mischievous leprechaun to resist.
This is the kind of activity kids talk about all year long… and yes, the leprechaun always escapes. 😉
Why Make a Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House?
Leprechaun traps are a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition in classrooms and homes, but most are made from cardboard or paper. Turning the idea into a fully edible sugar cookie house makes it feel extra special—and gives kids something they can help decorate and eat.
This sugar cookie trap works for:
A St. Patrick’s Day family activity
A festive dessert centerpiece
A classroom-inspired tradition at home
Kids who love holiday cookie houses (even outside of Christmas!)
If you already love making sugar cookie houses for the holidays, this Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day twist. It uses the same easy sugar cookie dough, simple assembly, and kid-friendly approach—but adds a playful purpose: catching a sneaky leprechaun!
Instead of cardboard or shoebox traps, this one is fully edible, totally festive, and becomes part of a tradition kids will remember year after year.
Start With a Sugar Cookie House (No Gingerbread Required)
If you’re new to cookie houses or want a refresher, you don’t need to reinvent anything here. This leprechaun trap uses the same base method I use for all of my sugar cookie houses.
👉 Start here: How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House (Recipe & Template Included)
That post walks you through:
My tried-and-true sugar cookie dough (sturdy, no spreading)
Baking and cutting the panels
Assembly using buttercream icing
Tips to prevent cracking or collapsing
You can also grab the printable gingerbread house kit if you want to skip measuring entirely.
And if you’d rather download everything instantly, the full template is available in my shop here.
How to Turn a Sugar Cookie House Into a Leprechaun Trap
The key is giving the house a purpose—you’re not just decorating, you’re trying to lure a leprechaun inside.
I was inspired by so many ideas on Pinterest, see my St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Trap Board
Here are the three must-have elements that make this work:
🍯 A Little Front Door with a “Free Gold” Sign
Every good trap needs bait—and leprechauns can’t resist gold.
Add a tiny cookie or fondant door to the front of your house and hang a playful “Free Gold” sign above it. This instantly tells the story and makes the house feel intentional instead of just decorative.
Tips:
Write the sign with edible marker or royal icing
Keep it slightly crooked for a mischievous look
Add green frosting details around the door for a magical touch
This one detail alone transforms your cookie house into a true leprechaun trap.
This idea works beautifully if you’ve made other themed houses before—similar to how I style doors and details in my Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
Same concept, different holiday magic.
🌈 A Rainbow Path Leading Inside
What’s more tempting than gold? A rainbow that leads straight to it.
Create a rainbow “path” that guides the leprechaun right to the front door:
Use rainbow candies, sprinkles, or icing stripes
Start the rainbow at the edge of the base and curve it toward the door
Make it feel like the leprechaun can’t miss where to go
This is also one of the most kid-friendly parts—little hands LOVE placing the rainbow colors.
This is very similar to the playful, kid-friendly decorating style I share in my Sugar Cookie House Guide, which is perfect if kids are helping.
Sugar cookie house front door with a “Free Gold” sign for a leprechaun trap.
🪙 Gold Coins as Bait
This is the finishing touch that sells the entire idea.
Scatter chocolate gold coins along the rainbow path and pile a few right by the door as the ultimate temptation. You can even leave a few inside the house so it looks like the leprechaun almost fell for it.
Optional fun:
Leave one coin tipped over like it was dropped
Add green sprinkles or sanding sugar to make it sparkle
Pretend the leprechaun stole some overnight
Carefully cutting the front door with a sharp steak knife into the sugar cookie panel before baking to create the leprechaun trap entrance.
Make It Interactive (and Extra Magical)
Just like with Christmas and Valentine’s Day cookie houses, the best part of a leprechaun trap isn’t building it—it’s the magic that happens after.
The next morning, kids can:
Check to see if the gold is gone
Look for tiny “leprechaun footprints” made from green sugar
Discover a note from the leprechaun thanking them for the gold
It’s the same kind of imaginative storytelling that makes holiday cookie houses so special—just with a St. Patrick’s Day spin.
How to Build the Base Sugar Cookie House
This Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House starts the same way all of my holiday cookie houses do—with easy sugar cookie dough, simple assembly, and no gingerbread required.
Rolling out sugar cookie dough using my printable house template before baking and assembling the leprechaun trap house.
If you’ve never made a sugar cookie house before, don’t worry. This method is sturdy, beginner-friendly, and perfect for decorating with kids.
👉 For the full recipe, exact measurements, baking times, and printable templates, start with my complete guide here:
How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House (Recipe & Template Included)
👉 You can also grab the printable kit instantly from my shop if you want everything ready to go:
Baked sugar cookie house panels ready to assemble before turning this into a festive leprechaun trap.
Condensed Build Steps
Make the sugar cookie dough
Use a no-spread sugar cookie dough designed for building houses. Chill the dough before rolling so the panels keep their shape.Cut and bake the panels
Roll the dough evenly and cut the house pieces using my printable template. Bake until just set—firm but not browned.Let cookies cool completely
This is important. Warm cookies are more likely to crack or slide during assembly.Assemble the house
Pipe buttercream icing along the edges to attach the walls, then add the roof. Let the structure set before decorating.
See the full sugar cookie house come together in this quick timelapse before we turn it into a leprechaun trap.
Watch this sugar cookie house come together in a quick timelapse before transforming it into a festive leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day. Built with sturdy sugar cookie panels and buttercream icing, this easy holiday project is perfect for decorating with kids.
If you want more kid-friendly design ideas and holiday variations, my Sugar Cookie House Guide is a great next step.
Buttercream Icing for Assembly & Decorating
Buttercream icing is what holds everything together and makes decorating fun. It’s easier to work with than royal icing and sets up well for sugar cookie houses.
How I Use Buttercream:
Thicker consistency for assembling walls and roof
Slightly softer consistency for piping details and decorations
Tips:
Use a large round piping tip or cut a small hole in a piping bag
Let the assembled house sit for 15–20 minutes before adding heavy decorations
If the icing feels too soft, chill it briefly before using
Once the base house is built, you’re ready for the fun part—turning it into a leprechaun trap with a rainbow path, gold coin bait, and a tiny “Free Gold” front door 🍀
The finished leprechaun trap sugar cookie house decorated with shamrocks, green buttercream, and festive St. Patrick’s Day details.
A New St. Patrick’s Day Tradition Worth Repeating
This Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House is proof that cookie houses aren’t just for Christmas. It’s festive, playful, and just the right amount of silly—perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with kids.
Whether you make it once or turn it into a yearly tradition, it’s guaranteed to bring a little extra magic (and sugar) to March. 🍀💚
If you make this leprechaun trap sugar cookie house, I’d love to see it! Save this idea to Pinterest so you can find it next March, and don’t forget to tag @TheSweetestEscapes if you share your creation on social media. 💚🍀
An easy St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun trap made from a sugar cookie house, complete with shamrock details and a playful “Free Gold” door.
More Holiday Posts:
Printable Gingerbread House Kit (DIY Template for Kids)
Create a festive gingerbread house with this printable DIY kit for kids and families. Includes templates and instructions. Instant download.
Guessing dimensions without a Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Creating a gingerbread house is one of the most magical holiday traditions—but baking, cutting, and assembling can feel overwhelming, especially with kids. This printable gingerbread house kit makes it simple to enjoy the fun without the stress.
Designed for families, classrooms, and holiday parties, this DIY kit gives you everything you need to build a festive gingerbread house using easy-to-follow templates and instructions.
👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Instant digital download – perfect for kids and families
What Is a Printable Gingerbread House Kit?
A printable gingerbread house kit is a digital download that includes pre-sized templates and instructions you can print at home. Instead of guessing measurements or struggling with fragile baked pieces, you’ll have a clear plan that makes assembling a gingerbread house much easier—especially with kids helping.
This kit works whether you:
Bake your own gingerbread
Use graham crackers
Want a practice run before making an edible version
What’s Included in the Gingerbread House Kit
✔ Printable gingerbread house templates (PDF)
✔ Step-by-step building instructions
✔ Decorating ideas that work for kids
✔ Tips to help prevent cracking and collapsing
✔ Instant digital download (no waiting!)
Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit
Why Families Love This Gingerbread House Kit
Kid-friendly: Simple shapes and clear instructions
Low stress: No guesswork or complicated measuring
Reusable: Print and use year after year
Flexible: Works with gingerbread, graham crackers, or cardboard
This makes it a great option for:
Christmas Eve traditions
Holiday baking with kids
Classroom or homeschool activities
Family holiday parties
How to Use the Printable Gingerbread House Kit
Download and print the templates on standard 8.5×11 paper
Cut out the template pieces
Roll dough and using your template pieces, cut around dough creating panels (roof, side, front, and back)
Bake your house panels
Decorate with your favorite sprinkles or treats
Assemble using royal icing or buttercream frosting
Display and enjoy!
The instructions are written so kids can follow along with adult help.
Gingerbread House vs. Sugar Cookie House
If you love decorating but want an easier edible option, you might also enjoy making a sugar cookie house instead of a gingerbread house.
👉 See our Sugar Cookie House Tutorial for Kids
(Perfect if you want softer cookies and less breakage)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a physical gingerbread house kit?
No. This is a digital download that you print at home. Ingredients and candy are not included.
Is this gingerbread house kit good for kids?
Yes! It’s designed to be kid-friendly and works best with adult supervision.
What paper size should I use?
Standard US Letter (8.5×11). No special printer needed.
Can I reuse this kit every year?
Yes. Once purchased, you can print and reuse it for personal use.
Make Gingerbread Houses a Holiday Tradition
Creating a gingerbread house doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. With this printable gingerbread house kit, you can skip the stress and focus on what matters most—making memories, laughing through the decorating mess, and starting a holiday tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a classroom activity, or planning a cozy Christmas afternoon at home, this easy DIY kit helps turn a simple idea into a meaningful experience.
This printable gingerbread house kit takes the pressure out of holiday baking and lets you focus on what matters—making memories together.
👉 Get the Printable Gingerbread House Kit – Instant Download
More Baking Posts:
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (Easy, No Gingerbread Required)
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house skips gingerbread and uses sturdy sugar cookies and buttercream frosting. A fun, kid-friendly Valentine baking activity. Perfect for kids, parties, and classroom treats.
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies
How to Make a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Without Gingerbread
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a fun, festive twist if you love making a gingerbread house at Christmas, you’re going to love this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house with no Gingerbread required. It’s a fun, festive twist on a classic holiday activity—made with soft sugar cookies instead of gingerbread, pastel icing, and Valentine-themed decorations that kids (and adults) can’t get enough of. Oh and pink… lots of pink! 💗
This sugar cookie house is perfect for Valentine’s Day baking with kids, classroom parties, or a cozy weekend activity at home. There’s no waiting for stiff gingerbread to cool, no rock-hard pieces to wrestle with—just an easy sugar cookie dough that bakes up sturdy enough to build, but delicious enough to eat.
Looking for more sugar cookie house ideas beyond Valentine’s Day?
See our complete Sugar Cookie House Guide for easy builds, kid-friendly designs, and creative ideas for every season.
What Is a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House?
A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a festive cookie house made from sturdy rolled sugar cookies instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked flat, assembled with thick icing or buttercream, and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, sprinkles, and frosting. It’s easier to build, better tasting, and perfect for kids.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine Cookie House
No gingerbread required – softer, tastier sugar cookies
Kid-friendly – easy shapes, simple assembly
Customizable – pink, red, hearts, sprinkles, candies
Perfect Valentine activity – baking + decorating in one
Whether you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day tradition or just want a creative alternative to cupcakes and candy, this cookie house is guaranteed to be a hit.
What Is a Sugar Cookie House?
A sugar cookie house is built just like a traditional gingerbread house—but instead of gingerbread, you use rolled sugar cookie dough cut into house panels. Once baked and cooled, the pieces are assembled with icing and decorated with Valentine-themed candies, frosting, and sprinkles.
It’s easier for beginners, more forgiving for kids, and honestly… much better tasting. I love gingerbread houses- minus the gingerbread!
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and heart candies
Valentine Sugar Cookie House Shopping List
These tools make building a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house easier—especially with kids. Shop our Amazon Favorite Baking List!
Baking Essentials
Rolling pin (use adjustable thickness rolling guides if you have one)
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for cutting house panels)
Baking sheets
Decorating Tools
Piping bags (reusable or disposable)
Round piping tips (or cut the tip off the bag)
Small offset spatula or butter knife
Reusable squeeze bottles (great for little hands)
Valentine Decorations
Valentine sprinkles (pink, red, white)
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates
Optional (But Helpful)
Gel food coloring (pink, red, white)
Small bowls for sorting candy
Plastic knives or spoons for kids
Apron or parchment for easy cleanup
💡 Tip: If you already make sugar cookies at Christmas, you likely already have most of these on hand—this project just uses them in a new, festive way. I’m using red M&M’s from a leftover bag of red and green Christmas M&M’s!
Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House
Ingredients for a Sugar Cookie House
This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house uses the same sturdy sugar cookie dough I rely on for our Christmas cookie houses. It’s specifically designed to hold its shape while baking, making it perfect for building—without sacrificing flavor.
Sugar Cookie Dough
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Milk
Sprinkles
💡 This is not a soft drop-cookie dough. It’s a rolled sugar cookie dough that bakes flat and sturdy enough to support walls and a roof. It tastes similar to shortbread cookies.
Buttercream Icing (for Assembly & Decorating)
Instead of royal icing, I use a simple buttercream frosting to assemble and decorate my sugar cookie houses—and I’ve never had an issue with them falling apart. It’s easier to make, tastes better, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Buttercream Ingredients
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream (as needed)
That’s it. No specialty ingredients, no meringue powder.
Valentine Decorations (Optional but Fun!)
Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white candies
Conversation hearts
Mini marshmallows
Heart-shaped candies or chocolates
Sugar Cookie House Template
Sugar Cookie Dough Tips (Important!)
These tips are key to making sure your Valentine cookie house actually stands up:
✔ Use the Same Recipe + Method
I use the exact same sugar cookie dough and steps from my Christmas sugar cookie house—no changes needed. The dough is intentionally:
Firm
Easy to roll
Resistant to spreading
If you’ve made my gingerbread-style sugar cookie house before, you’ll feel right at home here.
✔ Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough before cutting helps:
Keep edges sharp
Prevent spreading
Ensure straight walls and roof pieces
If the dough becomes soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
✔ Roll Dough Evenly
Roll the dough to an even thickness (about ¼ inch). Uneven dough can cause warped pieces, which makes assembly harder.
✔ Bake Until Just Set
You want the cookies:
Fully baked
Lightly golden on the edges
Firm once cooled
Underbaked cookies will bend; overbaked cookies can crack.
✔ Cool Completely Before Building
Let all cookie pieces cool completely before assembling. Warm cookies are fragile and more likely to break when handled.
Free Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Template
If you want perfectly sized walls and roofs without guesswork, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template that makes Valentine’s Day cookie houses even easier. The template works beautifully with sugar cookie dough and helps keep every piece uniform so assembly is simple and stress-free.
This printable is perfect for:
Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses
Heart-themed or pastel designs
Decorating with kids
👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house
Tip: The same template can be reused for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and any themed sugar cookie house you want to create.
Buttercream Frosting Design for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
Buttercream Tips for Structure
To make sure your cookie house stays sturdy:
Make the buttercream very thick — it should hold stiff peaks
Use it generously where pieces connect
Let assembled sections sit for a few minutes before adding the roof
Decorate once the structure feels stable
If your frosting feels too soft, add more powdered sugar until it’s firm enough to act as glue.
Buttercream vs. Royal Icing for Cookie Houses (FAQ)
Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?
Yes! A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. I’ve used buttercream for multiple cookie houses without any issues with them falling apart. As long as your cookies are fully cooled and your frosting is thick enough, buttercream provides plenty of structure.
Why do most recipes recommend royal icing?
Royal icing is often recommended because it dries rock-hard, which makes it ideal for gingerbread houses that need maximum stability or are meant to be displayed for long periods. However, it’s not the only option—especially for sugar cookie houses that are meant to be enjoyed and eaten.
Does buttercream taste better than royal icing?
In my opinion, yes. Buttercream has a richer, creamier flavor and is much more enjoyable to eat than royal icing, which can be very hard and dry once set. For cookie houses that double as dessert, buttercream is a big win.
Will buttercream hold up if kids are helping?
Absolutely. Buttercream is more forgiving than royal icing, which can crack or harden too quickly. It’s easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with—making it ideal for family baking or classroom-style projects.
When is royal icing the better choice?
Royal icing may be a better option if:
You want a house to sit out for many days
You’re building a large or very tall structure
The house is mostly decorative and not meant to be eaten
For most home bakers and kid-friendly projects, buttercream works beautifully.
Can I use buttercream for both assembly and decorating?
Yes! Buttercream works for both building and decorating your cookie house. You can tint it pink, red, or white for Valentine’s Day and use it to attach pieces, pipe details, and secure decorations all in one step.
Why Buttercream Frosting Works for Cookie Houses
While royal icing dries rock-hard, a thick buttercream icing works surprisingly well for sugar cookie houses when used correctly.
Here’s why I prefer it:
Better flavor – everyone actually wants to eat it
Easier to work with – no precise mixing ratios
Pantry-friendly – no special ingredients required
More forgiving – great for baking with kids
As long as the frosting is thick and your cookies are fully cooled, buttercream holds the house together just fine.
Lace-Inspired Cookie Details (Valentine’s Day Touch)
Lace-style baking details are trending right now, and they’re a beautiful way to give your Valentine’s sugar cookie house a soft, romantic look. You don’t need special tools — simple royal icing techniques can create a lace-inspired effect that feels elegant without being fussy.
Ideas that work especially well on cookie houses:
Piped “lace” trim along roof edges
Heart-shaped windows with lace-style icing borders
Delicate icing patterns on doors or balconies
Light dusting of edible pearls or sanding sugar for texture
💡 Tip: Keep lace details minimal so the house still feels fun and kid-friendly.
Frosting and decorating ideas for Valentine’s Sugar Cookie House
Kid-Friendly Valentine Cookie House Decorating Ideas
Decorating is the best part—and this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is meant to be fun, low-pressure, and kid-friendly. With soft sugar cookies and easy buttercream frosting, kids can help decorate without worrying about pieces breaking or icing hardening too fast.
Set Up a Decorating Station
Before you start, lay everything out so kids can decorate their Valentine Cookie House independently:
Bowls of Valentine sprinkles
Pink, red, and white buttercream
Small candies and heart-shaped decorations
Plastic knives or spoons for spreading frosting
This keeps things organized and lets kids focus on creativity instead of waiting for help.
Let Kids Decorate Flat Pieces First
For younger kids, it helps to:
Decorate the cookie panels before assembling the house
Keep designs simple—dots, hearts, stripes, and swirls
Avoid heavy candy on roof pieces
Once the pieces are decorated, you can assemble the house for them or let older kids help. I always decorate the pieces before assembling!
Easy Decorating Ideas Kids Love
These simple ideas are perfect for little hands:
Heart windows using conversation hearts
Sprinkle roofs pressed gently into buttercream
Polka dots made with candy melts or mini candies
Frosting swirls piped along edges and seams
See my Pinterest board for decoration inspiration
There’s no “right” way—every cookie house turns out different, and that’s part of the fun.
Decorating Tips for Success
Use thick buttercream so decorations stay put
Work slowly and take breaks if kids get overwhelmed
If something falls off, just add more frosting and try again
Remember: this is about fun, not perfection.
Make It a Valentine Tradition
Turn decorating into a yearly tradition by:
Letting kids choose the candy colors
Writing names or hearts on the house with frosting
Taking photos before it gets eaten
These cookie houses make sweet Valentine memories—and a dessert everyone actually wants to eat.
Sugar Cookie House Template
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Recipe (Easy & Kid-Friendly)
Making a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, requires a little homework and preparation! I made my own template - Gingerbread House blueprint template.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 1 Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I love Vanillas of the World)
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
1 – 2 cup buttercream icing (see recipe in next section below)
Directions - Sugar Cookie Dough That Holds Its Shape
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325F.
Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 2 tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. At first it may look dry but after adding the liquids it comes together. With a wooden spoon (or cute spatula), stir in sprinkles and any remaining flour.
Step 3 - Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle (or 15-20 mins in the freezer if you run out of time). You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days. On large sheets of parchment paper roll out dough portions to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Lightly flour the top of the dough (put cling wrap between) as necessary to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Pro Tip: I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper so I could cut the excess dough and throw them in the oven!
Step 4 - Using my gingerbread house template, set pattern pieces on the dough; use a sharp knife (or roll a pizza cutter) to cut around each pattern piece. Remove excess dough. Remove pattern pieces; set aside.
Step 5 - Transfer cookie dough cutouts on parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary. Use excess to make different heart shapes, if desired.
NOTE: Some of my pieces were pretty thick, so when I put them in the oven, I baked more on the 15-20 min side. It might have been too long because the edges were dry and would kinda crumble when I went to cut them evenly.
Step 6 - Decorate as desired with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Assemble cookie house, using buttercream icing as glue. Let stand until firm.
Back of Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house decorated with pink buttercream and sprinkles
Best Frosting or Icing for Valentine’s Day House
The best frosting for Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House construction is buttercream frosting. Most use Royal icing but Buttercream frosting also works and tastes much better.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted if possible
1-2 tablespoons milk
Divide and add food coloring
Directions
Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar cup by cup until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.
Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.
Sugar Cookie House Assembly - use Sprinkle container to help construct
10 Easy Step by Step Instructions of Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House Construction
To build and construct a Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House, follow these easy step by step instructions:
Make the dough ahead of time - you need it to chill in the refrigerator at least an hour before making (or the freezer for 20 mins).
While you’re waiting, make a plan for the sizing of your pieces. Check out my Gingerbread House blueprint template if you need one!
Preheat your oven to 325F after your chill time is complete.
Roll the dough 1/4” thick, I use these rolling guides for my rolling pin so I know it’s the right size. Pro-tip: I roll on the baking mat so it doesn’t slip. To prevent the dough from sticking to the pin, put extra flour on the top and bottom of the dough and put a layer of cling wrap on top, then roll over the dough! Mess free!
Place your blueprint pieces on top of the dough and cut around them with a knife or pizza cutter!
Transfer dough cutouts to a cookie sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan then move to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary.
While the cookies are cooling, make your frosting and check Pinterest for design inspiration, like my Valentine’s Day Treats and Baking Ideas board.
Decorate your heart away (pun intended) with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins.
Assemble cookie house using buttercream icing as glue. Start with the front and a side piece of the house, first. Pro-tip: Use a soup can or sprinkle jar to help support the house while the frosting firms up. Then apply the second side and back of the house.
Decorate around the house and take a few pictures before indulging!
For more sugar cookie house ideas and holiday designs, visit our Sugar Cookie House Guide.
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House dough
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House FAQ
Can you make a sugar cookie house without gingerbread?
Yes! A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy rolled sugar cookie dough instead of gingerbread. The cookies bake flat, hold their shape well, and are much easier to work with—making them perfect for Valentine’s Day cookie houses.
Is a sugar cookie house easier than a gingerbread house?
Yes, sugar cookie houses are easier than gingerbread houses. The dough is softer to roll, doesn’t need long cooling times, and is more forgiving during assembly, especially when kids are helping.
What frosting works best for a sugar cookie house?
A thick buttercream frosting works very well for sugar cookie houses. When made stiff, buttercream acts as glue to hold the cookie pieces together while also tasting better than traditional royal icing.
Can you really build a cookie house with buttercream?
Yes, you can build a cookie house using buttercream frosting. As long as the cookies are fully cooled and the frosting is thick enough to hold stiff peaks, buttercream provides plenty of structure for assembling and decorating.
Does buttercream hold up when baking with kids?
Absolutely. Buttercream is easier for kids to pipe, spread, and decorate with compared to royal icing. It’s more forgiving, doesn’t harden too quickly, and allows kids to fix mistakes easily.
Do you need to chill sugar cookie dough for a cookie house?
Yes, chilling the dough is very important. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking, prevents spreading, and helps create straight, sturdy walls and roof pieces for your cookie house.
How thick should sugar cookies be for a cookie house?
Sugar cookies for a cookie house should be rolled to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This thickness provides enough strength for building while still baking evenly.
Can you decorate a sugar cookie house before assembling it?
Yes! Decorating the cookie pieces before assembling the house is especially helpful when baking with kids. Flat pieces are easier to decorate, and you can assemble the structure once the frosting has set slightly.
How far in advance can you make a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house?
You can bake the cookie pieces 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. The assembled cookie house is best enjoyed within 1–2 days for freshness.
Is a Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house good for classroom parties?
Yes, Valentine’s Day sugar cookie houses are great for classroom parties. You can pre-bake the pieces, provide buttercream and decorations, and let kids decorate without worrying about hard gingerbread or stiff icing.
Whether you’re starting a new Valentine’s Day tradition or just looking for a fun baking project to do with kids, this Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet way to celebrate. With soft, sturdy sugar cookies, easy buttercream frosting, and endless decorating options, it’s a festive activity that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Save this recipe for later, pin it for Valentine’s Day inspiration, and come back to it year after year for a cozy, creative holiday treat everyone will love.
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (Easy + no Gingerbread and no eggs)
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Sugar Cookie House cutouts
How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House (Recipe and Template included)
Tips, ideas, looks, and templates for making the perfect Sugar Cookie Confetti Gingerbread House with buttercream icing! Level is relatively easy for those who have some baking experience. Pink doors and kitty cats included!
Sugar Cookie Pink Gingerbread House
Tips for making the perfect Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House - Level: Pretty Easy
Want a gingerbread house that’s cute, sweet, and actually easy to build? This sugar-cookie gingerbread house is one of my favorite holiday traditions — simple to make, sturdy enough for decorating, and perfect for kids or beginners. In this guide, I’ll share the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, the exact tools I use, my best decorating tips, and troubleshooting tricks so your house comes out picture-perfect every time.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas cookie party or creating a cozy holiday moment at home, this sugar cookie gingerbread house is a festive project that everyone will love.
I wouldn’t call myself a baker, though I love to make cookies and cupcakes. My best friend, and realtor: Holly Patterson, had her annual Christmas Gingerbread House Contest and when I saw her post, I thought, “I wish I liked Gingerbread.” To go through all the trouble to make something I didn’t like seemed silly. That’s when I started the research. I can’t be the only one, someone must’ve tried this before! I found fancy houses and then I found Studio DIY. First off, I follow Kelly on Instagram and was inspired after reading her post. I went down a long rabbit hole of research and I was pretty pleased with the results! I was looking at recipes and ways to avoid going out to buy cream of tartar or molasses, things I never use. The good news, I didn’t have to go anywhere and had everything I needed in my pantry (my huge sprinkle collection finally came in handy)!
I didn’t even know where to begin, and started asking things like: how do you make the house shapes? Do you put the frosting on before or after you construct the gingerbread house? What design should I do? I then did what I do best, I made a Pinterest Gingerbread House Ideas board to collect my thoughts and inspiration. After I had my gameplan, I was ready to start!
Note: I keep calling it a Gingerbread house because you can use the template for a Sugar Cookie House or a Gingerbread House.
Looking for more sugar cookie house ideas beyond Christmas?
See our complete Sugar Cookie House Guide for easy builds, kid-friendly designs, and creative ideas for every season.
Get your FREE Printable Gingerbread House Template - CLICK HERE
Gingerbread House Template and Plan
Checkout fun children gifts like this cute fire station!
CHeck out our toy wishlist!
Looking for great Toddler gifts? Check out what my kiddos have on their wishlist for Christmas this year! Amazon WISHLIST LINK
Shop this Post:
Shop our favorite sugar cookie decorating tools and supplies on Amazon → My Favorite Baking Supplies List
Stand Mixer
Silicone Baking Mats
Cooling Racks
Rolling Pin
Parchment Paper Sheets
Cookie Cutter Set
Piping Bags + Tips
Edible Glitter Decorations
Holiday Sprinkles
Icing Scraper
Food Coloring Gel Pack
Gingerbread House Display Board
LED Fairylights (fun lights outside or inside!)
Gingerbread Sugar Cookie House Recipe
Plan ahead! I did a sketch and made my own template based on other templates I saw. I was worried the sugar cookie would be a little crumbly, so I made a smaller house by taking an inch off of every measurement in this Gingerbread House blueprint template. I followed the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens but tweaked it a little:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 1 Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I love Vanillas of the World)
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
1 – 2 cup buttercream icing (see recipe in next section below)
Use a pizza cutter for those edges!
Directions - Sugar Cookie Dough That Holds Its Shape
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325F.
Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 1 tablespoon milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla at a time (2x each total). Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. With a wooden spoon (or cute spatula), stir in sprinkles and any remaining flour.
Step 3 - Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days. On large sheets of parchment paper or Silpat mats (less slippery) roll out dough portions to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Lightly flour the top of the dough as necessary to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Pro Tip: I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper so I could cut the excess dough and throw them in the oven!
Step 4 - Using my gingerbread house template, set pattern pieces on the dough; use a sharp knife (or roll a pizza slicer) to cut around each pattern piece. Remove excess dough. Remove pattern pieces; set aside.
Step 5 - Transfer dough cutouts on parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Use a knife (or pizza slicer) to cut edges evenly, if necessary. Use excess to make trees, snowmen, or gingerbread men shapes.
NOTE: Some of my pieces were pretty thick, so when I put them in the oven, I baked more on the 15-20 min side. It might have been too long because the edges were dry and would kinda crumble when I went to cut them evenly.
Step 6 - Decorate as desired with buttercream icing (see recipe below), candies, and decorative sprinkles. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Assemble cookie house, using buttercream icing as glue. Let stand until firm.
Cut the pieces to the size of the template.
The Trucks that Saved Christmas written by yours truly! The Trucks that Saved Christmas
I wrote a children’s book! My favorite thing to do is read with my boys. I love watching their faces light up as they laugh at a funny moment or learn a good life lesson along the way.
We read a lot of truck books around here — and my favorites are always the Christmas ones, of course! 🚒🎄
This year, I felt inspired to create one of our own. I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve written and published The Trucks that Saved Christmas, now available on Amazon! Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers!
It’s a rhyming, heartwarming story about teamwork, friendship, and helping Santa when he needs it most — perfect for little readers who love trucks and holiday magic.
If you have a truck-loving kid (or know someone who does), I’d be so grateful if you checked it out, shared it, or added it to your holiday reading list.
🎁✨ Thank you for being so sweet and supporting this little Christmas dream of mine!
See more about The Trucks that Saved Christmas and other books on our Bookshelf page!
Best Frosting or Icing for Gingerbread House Construction
Royal Icing vs Buttercream Icing… I read you have to use Royal Icing to make pieces stick together. I love the taste of buttercream frosting so I thought I’d give it a try and use toothpicks if it didn’t work. Guess what, I didn’t need those toothpicks! After a week… it’s still standing!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted if possible
1-2 tablespoons milk
Divide and add food coloring
Directions
Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.
Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.
How to Make a Sugar Cookie Gingerbread House
Here’s my advice:
I used my frosting tip kit to help make it look more professional, but you can also cut a small hole in the corner of a plastic bag.
Here are a few icing tips and tricks I have found over the years:
Make sure frosting is not too soft and not too hard. It should have a little peak at the end if you dip a spoon in.
If you are making colors, make sure you set enough aside to use as glue for your house. You can always make white a different color but you can’t go back to white without making more!
After inserting the tip into your piping bag, place it in a pint glass or similar, then open the top of the bag and fold over the top of the glass to get the icing in.
I have a huge sprinkle collection which came in handy! The ManvsSprinkles shop on Amazon has some great options! I found some good sprinkles (especially holiday themed ones) from stores like Target, Home Goods, Ross, or TJ Maxx.
I refrigerated the decorated pieces for 20 mins after I had my design so they were a little more solid and the frosting would set a bit. This gave me time to clean up some of my mess and switch my frosting to a new bag so I could use a different tip for the icing to use as glue for the house assembly.
Pro Tip: Put the decorated pieces in the fridge for 20 mins to help the frosting set
Tips for Making a Sturdy Gingerbread House
I used soup cans to lean the pieces against while frosting the edges of my next piece. Once I had two pieces together, it was pretty solid so I was able to put all the pieces together without a side falling over.
Hold the pieces up with soup cans
How to Assemble the House Step by Step
Plan ahead and figure out where your house is going to live (because it is hard to move it)
Put parchment paper down or directly on the plate
Make an Icing base for the front of the house and stick it down. Lean it against the soup can.
Add frosting to the bottom of sides of the house and along the side that will connect to the front.
Carefully and gently push the side into place, do the same with the other side.
Line the bottom and sides of your back with frosting and connect to the house.
Let it set for 10 mins or so before applying the roof.
Smother the top of your house with frosting add one side of the roof and then connect the other. I put frosting in between the peak of the roof too.
I added more frosting to the corners to make it looks more smooth. Pro tip: Don’t use too much frosting on the roof or it will collapse!
And voilà:
Gingerbread House design idea - cat in the window
Back of Sugar Cookie Gingerbread house
See every angle of the Sugar Cookie Gingerbread house!
FAQ
Why did my gingerbread house collapse?
Usually the icing wasn’t fully dried or the pieces weren’t cut evenly. Make sure edges are straight and let the icing harden for at least 10–15 minutes before adding the roof.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 1 week.
Does this recipe work with gingerbread instead of sugar cookie dough?
It can, but sugar cookie dough is sturdier and less likely to spread.
How do I make my sugar cookie dough hold its shape?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling, and freeze the cut pieces for 10 minutes before baking.
What icing works best for building a gingerbread house?
Royal icing or “edible glue” is strongest. Buttercream tends to softens at room temperature but I like it because it tastes better.
How long will a sugar cookie gingerbread house last?
About 5–7 days at room temp, or up to 2 weeks if you’re keeping it for decoration only.
Can I make the pieces ahead?
Yes! Bake the pieces up to 2–3 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
Troubleshooting Your Gingerbread House
My dough cracked while rolling.
It’s too cold—knead slightly until smooth.
The pieces puffed or spread in the oven.
Freeze cut shapes before baking and avoid overmixing.
The roof keeps sliding off.
Add more icing to the top edge and let it dry longer before adding decorations.
My icing is too runny.
Add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
Let me know if you attempt to make this or if you like this post in the comments below!
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
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Cute Christmas Trucks, Free iPhone Wallpapers & a Holiday Book Your Kids Will Love
Get free cute Christmas wallpapers NEW 2025 for your iPhone featuring bright, festive trucks from my children’s holiday book The Trucks That Saved Christmas. Download December wallpapers, explore playful Christmas phone backgrounds, and discover a fun Christmas story perfect for toddlers and families.
Free Cute Christmas Wallpapers for iPhone + A Festive Kids’ Book You’ll Love
If your kids are anything like mine, there are two things that absolutely light them up during the holiday season:
Anything involving Christmas
Anything involving trucks
So naturally… I combined the two.
Yes — I wrote and self-published a truck-themed Christmas children’s book, and honestly? It’s been one of the most joyful, chaotic, candy-cane-fueled creative projects of my life.
And to celebrate, I’m giving away FREE Christmas iPhone wallpapers based on the adorable truck characters from the book!
(You’re welcome. Your lock screen is about to get 10x more festive.)
🚒 Meet the Trucks That Saved Christmas
My book The Trucks That Saved Christmas is a bright, silly, heartwarming story about a group of hardworking trucks who step up to save Christmas when things go hilariously sideways.
We’ve got:
A dump truck who is 90% enthusiasm and 10% “Uh oh, what did I just knock over?”
A firetruck who tries very hard to be the sensible one
A crane truck who always believes he can lift “just one more thing!”
A snow plow who takes his job very seriously
And a few more cheerful vehicles who refuse to let holiday chaos win
It’s perfect for little truck lovers, Christmas fans, and kids who giggle at puns (which… is all of them).
🎁 Free Cute Christmas Wallpapers for Your iPhone
Because I’m extra (and because my kids demanded it), I turned the artwork from the book into cute Christmas wallpapers you can use on your phone.
They’re bright.
They’re festive.
They’re truck-tastic.
And they’re totally free.
You'll find a bunch of them below — just press, hold, and save from your phone, or right-click on desktop.
Use them as:
✨ Lock screens
🎄 Home screens
🚗 A way for your toddler to say “MOM LOOK IT’S THE DUMP TRUCK!” every time your phone lights up
(You’re welcome in advance.)
Christmas Santa Truck iPhone background
Crane truck in front of ice cream shop in snow iPhone background
Cute Christmas Firetruck iPhone wallpaper
Santa and Reindeer Christmas December iphone Background
🌈 Why Free Wallpapers?
Pinterest recently exploded with a trend for Cute Christmas Wallpapers, and I thought…
Well hey… my trucks are cute. My trucks are Christmasy. And I definitely want in on this.
So now you get a whole bundle of Bright + Playfully Christmas wallpapers — featuring your favorite trucks and colorful holiday text overlays.
Feel free to share them, pin them, or set them as wallpaper on every device you own. Dress up your iPad. Decorate your Apple Watch. Go wild.
Santa loading presents in a dump truck christmas iPhone background
Cute Christmas Snowplow in front of bakery
Cute Christmas iphone Wallpaper - Firetruck Snow
📚 Want Even More Christmas Magic? Grab the Book!
If you (or your little one) love the wallpapers, you’ll really love getting to know the full cast of trucks inside the book.
You can find The Trucks That Saved Christmas right here:
👉 Link here for Amazon: https://amzn.to/48b4rBo
Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers
It’s a perfect stocking stuffer, bedtime story, or “I need 10 minutes of toddler peace” emergency tool.
Cute Santa Christmas iPhone Background
🎅 Creating this book has been one of my favorite projects ever, and seeing kids light up when they meet the trucks makes my heart grow at least three sizes (Grinch-style).
I hope the free wallpapers sprinkle a little extra Christmas cheer onto your phone — and if you grab the book, I hope it becomes one of your family’s holiday favorites.
If you do download or share a wallpaper, tag me!
I LOVE seeing them in the wild. ❤️🎄🚒
Like this post?! Share it with everyone you know!
Must-Read Christmas Truck Stories for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Holiday Favorites 2025)
Christmas truck books bring together two things kids can’t get enough of—big machines and holiday magic. From cheerful dump trucks to hardworking diggers and glowing firetrucks, these festive stories deliver excitement, teamwork, and cozy Christmas charm on every page. Whether you're building a holiday book basket or searching for the perfect gift for a little truck lover, these Christmas truck books are sure to become treasured favorites year after year.
A festive Christmas scene beneath a decorated tree featuring the children’s book The Trucks That Saved Christmasdisplayed among holiday gift bags, twinkling lights, toy trucks, and cozy decorations. The setup creates a warm, gift-ready holiday atmosphere.
The Best Christmas Truck Books for Kids: Holiday Favorites for Little Truck Lovers
If you have a truck-obsessed child in your home, you already know: nothing lights up their eyes quite like a big, bold, colorful truck—especially when Christmas is involved. Holiday truck books have become a beloved sub-genre of children’s Christmas stories, blending festive cheer with vehicle fun, teamwork, and heartwarming lessons. Whether you're building a Christmas book basket, looking for a perfect stocking stuffer, or searching for a new bedtime favorite, this guide rounds up the best Christmas truck books that kids will want to read again and again.
Below are some top picks—ranging from classic holiday tales to newer favorites—along with what makes each book special and perfect for the season.
1. The Trucks That Saved Christmas
A New Instant Holiday Classic by an AMAZING author
If your child loves big trucks — dump trucks, excavators, firetrucks, snowplows, and more — this heartwarming story delivers festive magic in every page. When Christmas Eve takes a surprising turn, a group of hardworking trucks must band together to save the holiday. Packed with colorful illustrations, glowing Christmas lights, teamwork, and heroic vehicles, this book is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers who adore all things trucks and Christmas.
Why kids love it: Bright illustrations, exciting truck action, and a feel-good ending that brings the whole town together.
I WROTE IT! See more information here: THE TRUCKS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
2. Construction Site: Merry and Bright
By Sherri Duskey Rinker
Fans of the “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” series will love this holiday board book featuring the familiar crew of hardworking vehicles. Each truck gets a cozy Christmas moment illuminated by twinkling lights.
Why kids love it: Familiar characters, simple rhymes, and festive construction-themed fun ANDDDD Lift-the-flaps!
3. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
By Alice Schertle
A toddler favorite! Little Blue Truck delivers Christmas trees to all his animal friends in this counting-and-rhyming tale. The finale includes (literal) light-up holiday surprises.
Why kids love it: Flashing lights, animals, counting, and the lovable Little Blue Truck.
4. Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?
By Brianna Caplan Sayres
Part of the bestselling “Where Do Diggers…” series, this book imagines a fun Christmas Eve for diggers, cranes, mixers, and more.
Why kids love it: Energetic illustrations, familiar machines, and cheerful holiday traditions.
5. Wreck the Halls
By Melinda Lee Rathjen
This playful and pun-filled Christmas board book follows an enthusiastic tow truck whose holiday spirit is a little toostrong. Determined to help its friends decorate, tow truck jumps into wrapping, hanging lights, and decking the halls — but every attempt leads to a hilarious holiday disaster. Even with all the chaos, the story delivers a sweet message: Christmas cheer isn’t about perfect decorations or fancy presents, but about the heart behind it all.
Why kids love it: Silly mishaps, construction-vehicle fun, bright illustrations, and tons of festive energy make this a standout pick for little truck lovers.
6. Santa’s Christmas Train
Perfect for kids who love both trains and trucks, this festive train ride takes readers on a magical trip to deliver presents. Not exactly trucks, but shares the same vehicle-themed charm!
Why kids love it: Holiday trains, classic Christmas imagery, and a fun rhythmic flow.
7. Bulldozer’s Christmas Dig
By Candace Fleming
Bulldozer has one job: help decorate the construction site! This sweet story celebrates giving, kindness, and the little ways we brighten the holidays for others.
Why kids love it: Cute bulldozer character, colorful illustrations, and a message of generosity.
Why Truck-Themed Christmas Books Are So Popular
Kids who love trucks often connect deeply with stories that mix action with holiday magic. These books:
✔ Spark imagination
✔ Feature teamwork and problem-solving
✔ Use bright, engaging illustrations
✔ Make reading time exciting during the holidays
✔ Are perfect for vehicle-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers
They also make wonderful Christmas gifts — easy to wrap, fun to re-read, and perfect to stick under the tree or inside a stocking.
Whether your child, or one you know, is into dump trucks, firetrucks, diggers, trains, or anything with wheels, Christmas truck books combine two things kids adore: the magic of the holidays and the excitement of big machines. Adding even one of these to your holiday reading list will make bedtime a little cozier and Christmas a whole lot brighter.
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Top Christmas Books for kids
I Wrote a Children’s Christmas Book!
Inspired by countless bedtime truck stories with my boys, The Trucks that Saved Christmas brings big engines and big hearts to Christmas Eve. When a snowstorm slows Santa down and the reindeer need to rest, the Truck Team revs up to help deliver the joy of Christmas night.
Book Cover of The Trucks that Saved Christmas for toddlers
I Wrote a Children’s Christmas Book About Trucks Saving Christmas
Are you surprised?! If you follow me on social media then you know how much I love Christmas and that this dream of mine to write a children’s Christmas book wasn’t too far fetched!
One of my favorite things in the world is reading with my boys. Whether it’s before bedtime, during a lazy Sunday morning, or while snuggled up on the couch after dinner, those moments are pure magic. I love watching their faces light up as they follow along with the story — laughing at the funny parts, pointing at the illustrations, and asking a million curious questions (especially from the younger one these days!). Reading together has always been our way of slowing down and connecting.
And like so many parents of young kids, I can tell you this: we read a lot of truck books. Big trucks, small trucks, trucks that dig, trucks that dump, trucks that save the day — you name it, we’ve read it (probably five times in a row). But my absolute favorites have always been the Christmas stories. There’s just something about that combination of holiday magic, cozy family time, and the joy of giving that makes a story extra special.
Seeing The Trucks That Saved Christmas in print for the first time — a proud author moment.
One night last year, as we were reading yet another truck book before bed, I found myself imagining what might happen if Santa’s reindeer couldn’t finish their route. Who would help him deliver all the gifts? What if — just maybe — a team of brave, hardworking trucks rolled in to save Christmas Eve?
That idea became the spark for The Trucks that Saved Christmas.
In the story, a snowstorm hits on Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer grow too tired to fly. That’s when the Truck Team steps up. Dump Truck, Firetruck, Snowplow, Crane Truck, Tank Truck, and Excavator work together to clear the snow, light the way, and help Santa finish delivering presents. Through teamwork, kindness, and determination, the trucks remind us all that even when plans change, there’s always a way to make the magic happen.
Writing this book was such a joyful process. I wanted it to feel playful and rhythmic — a story that’s as fun to read aloud as it is meaningful. Each truck has its own role to play, and the rhymes are designed to capture that sing-song bounce that kids love to repeat. And while it’s a story about Christmas, it’s really about something deeper: teamwork, helping others, and believing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
A children’s bookshelf featuring the picture book The Trucks That Saved Christmas displayed front-facing among other kids’ books. The festive cover shows smiling trucks helping Santa in a snowy village with a glowing Christmas tree. Below the shelf are colorful toddler toys and instruments, creating a cozy family reading space.
As a parent, I’ve seen how stories shape the way children see the world. When they read about characters who work together, solve problems, and care for one another, those lessons stick. And when those lessons come wrapped in the sparkle of Christmas lights and the rumble of truck engines, kids connect with them in a way that feels exciting and familiar.
My hope is that The Trucks that Saved Christmas becomes a story families look forward to sharing year after year — one that brings a little warmth, laughter, and togetherness to the holiday season.
If you have a truck-loving kid (or know someone who does), I’d be honored if you added it to your holiday reading list. It’s now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. Also available on Barnes and Noble, Walmart, IngramSpark, and other retailers.
From my family to yours — merry reading, happy holidays, and may your Christmas be full of teamwork, laughter, and just a little bit of truck magic. 🚒🎁🎄
FAQ
Was this book written by AI?
No. The Trucks That Saved Christmas was written by me. The story, characters, and rhymes were created by hand with young readers in mind.
How were the illustrations created?
The illustrations began as original sketches and designs. Digital tools, including AI-assisted enhancements, were used to refine color, lighting, and details—similar to how illustrators use modern software today.
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100+ Ice Cream Quotes and Holidays, Fun Ice Cream Jokes and Silly Ice Cream Puns!
Find all ice cream and sweet related holidays and download our FREE printable ice cream calendar! I’ve also collected some great ice cream quotes, along with fun ice cream jokes, as well as silly ice cream puns! I HAD to include movie quotes and memorable ice cream scenes. As a bonus, I’m throwing in some great ice cream song and lyrics!
The Best Ice Cream Quotes and Ice Cream Related Holidays, Funny Ice Cream Jokes and Silly Ice Cream Puns!
Looking for the best ice cream quotes for Instagram captions, summer signs, kids’ parties, or just a little happy inspiration? From funny ice cream sayings to cute quotes perfect for kids and photos, these ice cream quotes are sweet, simple, and guaranteed to make you smile.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m OBSESSED with ice cream! I have collected some fun ice cream facts for the social media channels I run as well as my own @thesweetestescapes account. I love celebrating all ice cream and sweet-related holidays and have even put some dates in my calendar with a recurring reminder so I never forget! What a dork, right? I do it for the blog! wink wink 😉
I’ve also collected some great ice cream quotes, along with fun ice cream jokes (some are great dad jokes!), as well as silly ice cream puns! Since I work in the entertainment industry, I HAD to include movie quotes and memorable ice cream scenes. As a bonus, I’m throwing in some great ice cream song and lyric suggestions because at this point, why not?!
Is it July (if not, pin for later)? Then it is National Ice Cream Month! Did you know that MANY scoop shops all over celebrate with FREE Ice Cream scoops or other sweet ice cream deals and offers? To find these deals, check our annual post called: Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout the Month
Download our Fun Ice Cream Holidays Calendar here
Fun Ice Cream and Sweet Related Holidays (Calendar Style)
Who knew there could be so many sweet holidays?! Download our FREE printable Fun Ice Cream Calendar for the inside of your kitchen cabinet, classroom decorations, or to have in a kids playroom!
January
National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day - January 3rd
National Whipped Cream Day - January 5th
National Milk Day - Jan 11th
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day - January 15th
National Blonde Brownie Day - January 22nd
National Pie Day - January 23rd
National Peanut Butter Day - January 24th
February
Ice Cream for Breakfast day (first Sat in Feb)
National Dark Chocolate Day - February 1st
National Carrot Cake Day - February 3rd
National Chocolate Fondue Day - February 5th
World Nutella Day - February 5th
National Frozen Yogurt Day - February 6th
Chocolate Mint Day - February 19th
March
National Peanut Butter Lovers Day - March 1st
National Oreo Cookie Day - Mar 6th
National Frozen Food Day - March 6th (does ice cream count?)
National Pi Day - Pie day! March 14th
April
National Chocolate Mousse Day - April 3rd
National Caramel Popcorn Day - April 7th
National Peach Cobbler Day - April 13th
National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day - April 20th
National Jelly Bean Day - April 22nd
National Cherry Cheesecake Day - April 23rd
May
National Apple Pie Day - May 13th
National Chocolate Chip Day - May 15th
National Devil’s Food Cake Day - May 19th
National Taffy Day - May 23rd
June
National Donut Day - first Friday in June
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day - June 7th
National Fudge Day - June 16th
First Day of Summer - June 20th
July
July is National Ice Cream Month!
National Strawberry Sundae Day - July 7th
National Sugar Cookie Day - July 9th
National Free Slurpee Day - July 11th
Cow Appreciation Day - July 14th
National Ice Cream Day - (third Sunday in July)
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day - July 23rd
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day - July 25th
National Coffee Milkshake Day - July 26th
National Cheesecake Day - July 30th
Is it July? Then it is National Ice Cream Month! Did you know that MANY scoop shops all over celebrate with FREE Ice Cream scoops or other sweet ice cream deals and offers? To find these deals, check our annual post called: Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout the Month
August
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day - August 2nd
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day - August 4th
National Sponge Cake Day - August 23rd
National Waffle Day - August 24th
National Banana Split Day - August 25th
September
National Chocolate Milkshake Day - September 12th
National Ice Cream Cone Day - September 22nd
National White Chocolate Day - September 22nd
National Cherries Jubilee Day - September 24th
National Coffee/Starbucks Day - September 29th
October
International Coffee Day - October 1st
National Homemade Cookies Day - October 1st
National Cinnamon Roll Day - October 4th
National Frappe Day - October 7th
National Cake Decorating Day - October 10th
National M&M Day - October 13th
National Dessert Day - October 14th
World Food Day - October 16th
Sweetest Day - October 17th
National Chocolate Cupcake Day - October 18th
National Boston Cream Pie Day - October 23rd
National Chocolate Day - October 28th
National Candy Corn Day - October 30th
Halloween/ National Caramel Apple Day - October 31st
November
National Candy Day - November 4th
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day - November 7th (very specific! haha)
National Vanilla Cupcake Day - November 10th
National Sundae Day - November 11th
National Cake Day - November 25th
National French Toast Day - November 28th
National Lemon Cream Pie Day - November 29th
December
National Cookie Day - December 4th
Gingerbread House Day - December 12th
National Ice Cream Day - December 13th (not sure why there are two different National Ice Cream Days but I am happy to celebrate both occasions!)
National Cupcake Day - December 15th
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day - December 16th
National Cookie Exchange Day - December 22nd
National Candy Cane Day - December 26th
National Chocolate Candy Day - December 28th
To throw the BEST Ice Cream Social you need an Ice Cream Garland and our MUST HAVE Scoop! Check out our Amazon Shopping list!
Best Ice Cream Joke
Silly Ice Cream Jokes - Good for Kids!
Q: Where does one learn to make ice cream?
A: Sundae school!
Q: Why did the Teddy bear say no to ice cream?
A: Because he was stuffed!
Q: Why is ice cream so bad at tennis?
A: They have a soft serve.
Q: What do you get from an Alaskan cow?
A: Ice Cream
Q: How did Reese eat her ice cream?
A: Witherspoon.
Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a bowl of ice cream by its diameter?
A: Pi a'la mode.
Q: Why did the ice cream truck break down?
A: Because of the Rocky Road.
“Hey Ernie, would you like some ice cream?”
“Sure Burt!”
Q: What do you call someone else’s ice cream?
A: You scream
Q: What is ice cream’s favorite day of the week?
A: Sundae!!
Q: How do dogs like their ice cream served?
A: In a woofle cone!
Q: What did the ice cream cone do on the weekend?
A: It spent the day chill-axing!
Q: Where did the ice cream cone go to ride its mountain bike?
A: It went to a Rocky Road!
Q: Why was the ice cream cone a good reporter?
A: It always got a scoop!
Want a silly Ice Cream gift for a kid? Check out the Ice Cream Playdoh set or the Leap Frog Ice Cream Cart our Amazon Shopping list!
Ice Cream Puns
You Got Soft Served.
If we are what we eat, well, I am awfully sweet.
You are the sprinkles to my ice cream.
We are mint for each other.
Ice cream makes everything better.
I want abs, but I want ice cream more.
Go Shawty, It’s Sherbert Day.
It’s always ice cream o-clock somewhere.
Life’s better with a cherry on top.
I’m A Big Softie.
If you believe, anything is popsicle.
Game Of Cones.
The only man worth chasing is the ice cream man.
Peace, love, and ice cream.
In-Cone-Ceivable!
Ice Cream Quote "Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts."
Fun Ice Cream Quotes (great for Instagram or Social Media captions)
"Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts." — Unknown (my personal favorite)
"The best time for ice cream is always." — Unknown
“I love you more than ice cream” - Unkown (I say this to Josh!)
“My head says go to the gym. My heart says eat ice cream!” — Unknown
“If you were ice cream, you’d be my favorite flavor!” — Unknown
“A balanced diet is ice cream in each hand.” — Unknown
“Every day should start with coffee and end with ice cream.” — Unknown
“I go running when I have to. When the ice cream truck is doing sixty.” - Wendy Liebman
“A day without ice cream was a day wasted.” - Iain Pears
"I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream." — Unknown
"Tomorrow we can eat broccoli, but today is for ice cream." — Malory Hobson
"I never say no to an ice cream." — Ingrid Betancourt
"When I'm no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg." — Snoop Dogg
Inspirational Ice Cream Quotes
“Don’t let your ice cream melt while you’re counting someone else’s sprinkles” - Akilah Hughes
”You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that is pretty much the same thing." — Unknown
“Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time.” - Charles M. Schulz
"Never ask a woman who is eating ice cream straight from the carton how she's doing." — Unknown
"There were some problems only coffee and ice cream could fix." — Amal El-Mohtar
"Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos." — Don Kardong
"If life is a bowl of dark ice cream, small moments we enjoyed are colorful sprinkles all over it." — Unknown
"Ice cream is cheaper than therapy." — Unknown
Ice Cream Movie Quotes and Memorable Television Scenes
“The only good thing about being wounded in the buttocks… is the ice cream” and "Lieutenant Dan, I got you some ice cream. Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!" — Forrest Gump
"It was the color of someone buying you an ice cream cone for no reason at all." — Lemony Snicket
"How'd you like some ice cream, Doc?" - The Shining (1980)
Anna Chlumsky's Vada joins a grown-up writing class and recites an adorable ode to "vanilla, chocolate, Rocky Road, even with pie a la mode." - My Girl (1991)
Pulp Fiction (1994) John Travolta and Uma Thurman bond over a milkshake.
The Notebook (2004) when Rachel McAdams kisses Ryan Gosling after smashing ice cream into her lover's face.
Wonder Woman (2017) - Gal Gadot discovers what she has been missing on her remote island!
FRIENDS is my favorite TV show of all time, remember when Chandler (Matthew Perry) eats his feelings after his relationship went downhill.
Famous Ice Cream Songs and Lyrics
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard - Kelis, “Milkshake”
The cold never bothered me anyway." — Frozen, "Let It Go"
“Give me a ice cream, Girl for the weekend, Kind of girl she built for any season.” - Wyclef Jean and Sean Kingston, “Ice Cream Girl”
“Ice, ice baby” - Vanilla Ice, “Ice, Ice Baby”
“You’ve got me chasing after you, like an ice cream truck” - Beyoncé, “Ice Cream Truck”
“I’ll Stop The World And Melt With You.” - Jason Mraz
“Cream on the inside, Clean on the outside Ice, ice cream, ice cream paint job” - E-40, “Ice Cream Paint Job”
Oh my my, I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin' by” - Van Halen, “Ice Cream Man”
“I want your ice cream, I want it, what you waiting for?” - Mika, “Ice Cream”
“Ice cream, chillin'“ - Selena Gomez & BLACKPINK, “Ice Cream”
“Your love Is better than ice cream” - Sarah McLachlan, “Ice Cream” [Maki]
“A chocolate sundae on a Saturday night, What a way to make an evenin' end right” - Doris Day, “A Chocolate Sundae on a Saturday Night” [severin]
“When I first saw you, You said I was cool Enough to be Ice cream” - Wilco, “Ice Cream” [happyclapper]
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St Patrick's Day Ice Cream 2024 - Shamrock Your Sweet Tooth
Get ready to Shamrock your sweet tooth with these St Patrick’s Day treats from your favorite places such as Salt and Straw, McDonald's, Ben & Jerry's, Dairy Queen, and Coldstones! They’re magically delicious and only available for a limited amount of time! Grab a spoon and eat that ice cream!
Shamrock Your Sweet Tooth: A St. Patrick's Day Ice Cream Extravaganza!
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the luck of the Irish than with a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream? This year, there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for your taste buds, with festive flavors popping up at all your favorite ice cream spots. So, get ready to shamrock your sweet tooth with these magically delicious treats!
Lucky Charms Ice Cream at the end of the rainbow - St Patrick’s day ice cream at Coldstones
Cold Stone Creamery: Lucky Charms Ice Cream at the End of the Rainbow
Cold Stone is serving up a flavor that's magically delicious (I need this shirt, btw)! Their Lucky Charms ice cream is packed with those colorful marshmallow bits you know and love, and it's topped with even more for good measure. Plus, a sprinkle of gold glitter makes it look like you found the pot of gold at the rainbow's end! They've also got a "Sprinkled with Charms" shake for those who prefer a sippable celebration. Don't be a fool and miss out on this one.
Find your closest Coldstone Location
McDonald's Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry
It’s Shamrock Shake Season! The Shamrock Shake is a minty masterpiece that's perfect for cooling down on a spring day. Plus, the iconic green color adds a festive touch to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Don’t be shy to try the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry (about $4; prices are set by individual restaurants), which comes with crushed Oreo cookies! Just be sure to grab one before they disappear faster than a leprechaun!
Salt & Straw: Pots of Gold and Rainbows - Seeing Rainbows Pack
Salt & Straw: Pots of Gold and Rainbows
If you're looking for something a little more unique, Salt & Straw has you covered with their limited-edition "Pots of Gold and Rainbows" ice cream. This whimsical flavor combines a hand-sort of luck from the charms, steeping the whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow ‘mallows. It's a flavor explosion that will have you feeling like you've struck gold!
Get it by the scoop or order the Seeing Rainbows pack - 5 pints!
Dairy Queen: Mint Brownie Blizzard and Under the Rainbow Shake
Dairy Queen: Mint Brownie Blizzard and Under the Rainbow Shake
The Under the Rainbow Shake features a "mixture of magical strawberry flavor and rainbow sprinkles blended with creamy DQ vanilla soft serve with whipped topping and rainbow sprinkles," while the Mint Brownie Blizzard includes "a delicious combination of rich, chocolatey brownie pieces, choco chunks, and cool mint blended to perfection with DQ’s world-famous vanilla soft serve." Both be making a comeback to menus for a limited time.
Ben & Jerry’s: Dublin Mudslide
So, there you have it! With all these delicious options, you're sure to find the perfect St. Patrick's Day ice cream treat to make your holiday extra sweet. Remember, it's not just about the green, it's about finding the flavor that makes you happy and brings a little bit of magic to your day. So grab a spoon and get ready to celebrate – after all, it's not every day you get to indulge in a sweet treat that's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
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How about another scoop?!
Ideas for Winter Family Travel 2022
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Family holiday inspiration for winter
Check out this amazing guest post written by Mike Sheer!
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Hobbiton in Auckland, New Zealand
1. New Zealand
27% of parents say travel helps their children to be more brave and adventurous. And where better to be adventurous than in New Zealand? The country is renowned for its natural beauty. Families can explore stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to verdant rainforests, and encounter unique wildlife, such as kiwis and tuataras.
It’s also home to a vibrant culture, with a rich Maori heritage and a growing food scene. Families can learn about the country's history and customs while enjoying delicious local produce. And with plenty of activities on offer, from hiking and biking to kayaking and surfing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New Zealand has four seasons per year but because it’s located in the southern hemisphere, these come at different times, with their summer falling at the same time as the northern hemisphere’s winter. So it’s a great opportunity to escape the cold too!
Side note: Josh and I went here on our honeymoon and went to visit Hobbiton! Anyone watching the new Lord of the Rings series?!
Visiting Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
2. Lapland
Lapland is a truly magical place, and there is no better time to visit than during the winter months. Families can enjoy all the festive activities that the region has to offer, from meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer to going on a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests, and curling up in front of the fire with a delicious hot cocoa.
In addition, Lapland is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, making it the perfect destination for a winter sports holiday if you’re looking for something more active.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that families flock to Lapland every year. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, be sure to add Lapland to your list of must-visit destinations.
Check out how we found the Northern Lights in Norway!
Disneyland Paris
3. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the perfect destination for families who are looking for an unforgettable vacation. The park offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to people of all ages, from thrilling rides to enchanting shows, and extra festive events throughout the winter season to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
There is also a variety of dining options available, so everyone can find something to their taste. Best of all, Disneyland Paris is home to some of the most iconic characters in the world, making it the perfect place to create lifelong memories. So why not take the whole family on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris?
Winter is a great time to take a family vacation. We’ve shared some of our favourite winter destinations, but we want to hear from you. Where do you like to go on winter vacations? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.
Wanna read s’more? Did someone say s’mores?
The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!
Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Peppermint Mickey Shake
Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure
This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar
Chocolate Peppermint Bar
Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop
Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!
The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69
Peppermint Soft Serve
Peppermint Soft Serve
Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure
We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17
See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu
Trolley Treats
Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!
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New Year's Eve Celebrations Around the World!
We’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve around the world! My favorite part is seeing how the different cultures come together and the unique traditions to ring in the New Year. Fireworks always ended with a bang for all New Years’ festivities!
We’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve in many different countries! My favorite part is seeing how the different cultures come together and the unique traditions to ring in the New Year. Fireworks always ended with a bang for all New Years’ festivities!
Lanterns on New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai
Sending Lanterns off New Years Eve in Chiang Mai - Thailand
As soon as the sun went down on the last day of the year, lanterns started to light up the sky. Vendors all over the city sold lanterns and they were released all over the city! The biggest gathering was at the Tha Phae Ancient City gate. On the other side of the gate, there was a street fair on Rachadamnoen Rd full of vendors selling food and other merchant goodies.
At 11:30p, people flooded the area in front of the gate lighting their lanterns. People wrote wishes, hopes, and dreams, on their lanterns, hoping the new year would make them come true. At midnight the sky was completely full of lanterns and fireworks! It was a magical sight and an unforgettable night!
See our full post here New Years in Chiang Mai
New Year’s Eve in Sydney
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in the Sydney Harbor - Australia
We watched the Sydney Harbor light up on New Year’s Eve! The first set off fireworks went off as a family show at 9pm, so kids could go to bed and not have to wait up. In this show, fireworks were launched from 4 barges while they played the songs of the year, which exclusively included "Let it Go." Although some might be sick of hearing Elsa sing, it was PERFECT fireworks music.
At midnight, there were panoramic views of fireworks that shot off on the bridge, the barges and near the Opera House! My favorite part was when they played Sia’s, “Chandelier!”
Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve in Norway
Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve in Norway
It may have been 20 degrees and below but we spent all night outside watching the Northern Lights from our cabin in Norway! The locals shot off fireworks at midnight, and apparently there is a friendly rivalry among the neighborhood as to who will have the best fireworks show! We watched the fireworks light up the sky for a while then went inside. At about 2am, the Aurora Borealis came through with bright green colors dancing across the sky! The northern lights were here and grew stronger and stronger until 6am! Definitely a New Year celebration we won’t forget!
See more in our post: 5 Days in Norway Itinerary
Aruba New Year’s Eve Celebration
Fireworks along the beach on New Year’s Eve in Aruba
Fireworks are legal in Aruba so they were going off all day along on Dec 31st with these giant firecrackers that people would set up randomly in the streets. We sat and watched as people set off sparklers and small fireworks around us.
We asked our cab driver where the place to be is at midnight on New Year’s Eve, to which he said, “right in front of your hotel!” Perfect. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba in Palm Beach and right at midnight, fireworks shot off on barges in the water up and down the coast! It was spectacular, the whole beach was lit up from this amazing display!
See more about Aruba and how we spent Dec 31st here: 6 Day Aruba Itinerary
Las Vegas Strip on new Year’s Eve
The Strip lighting up on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas
I grew up spending a few New Years in Las Vegas! No matter where you go there will be a party! The Las Vegas Strip shuts down in the afternoon and people start celebrating! You can drink in the street and even buy beers from street vendors! At midnight, the Las Vegas Blvd lights up with fireworks shooting off tops of the hotels!
New Year’s Eve in TImes Square
Watching the ball drop in Times Square - New York City
I think everyone has seen the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in Times Square on TV with Ryan Seacrest or Dick Clark, but it is a completely different experience seeing it drop in person! Times Square is filled with people that start lining up early in the day to get a prime spot for midnight!
As soon as the countdown starts, the energy rises and the excitement of the countdown begins! The ball drops, fireworks shoot off and confetti fills the square!
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Disneyland Resort Halloween Time 2019 - Decorations, Events, and Food Guide
Fall is finally here and so is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! See our decoration, events, and food guide for your next trip to the happiest place on earth! #Disneyland #halloweentime #fall
Main Entrance Mickey and Friends Pumpkins
HAPPY FALL! Even though it’s supposed to be really hot outside today, it is officially fall in California and the Disneyland Resort is ready to go with their Halloween decorations! Even Downtown Disney and California Adventure are in full spirit too.
Full Food Guide here: Halloween Time Food Guide at the Disneyland Resort
SO MANY PUMPKINS! Downtown Disney's planters were filled with colorful fun pumpkins! You can enjoy the spookiness of Halloween Time from September 6th through October 31st, 2019.
What started out as a "Mickey's not so Scary Halloween" at Disneyland with pumpkins here and there, Disney has added more of a scary element to California Adventure with headless horsemen and ghoulish echoing laughs throughout the park. I think it could be a little scarier to compete with Six Flags and Universal Studios, but maybe they need a few more years.
Also, don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
HALLOWEEN TIME AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Every year it seems like California Adventure is adding more and more Halloween decorations each year. The highlight for me is always food-related and they nailed it with the Minnie Witch Shake this year! Ok, let’s start with the front of the park, here is the main entrance:
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time Oogie Boogie MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
Bats along Buena Vista Street
Last year, Carthay Circle was so cool with the bats flying out! They didn’t do that this year or put the banners up.
Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Costume
Even Mickey Mouse himself was dressed up in costume!
My favorite Halloween decoration is the Headless Horseman, who greets you just before you enter Hollywood. He laughs about it too. Muahahahhaa... Might be too scary for Disneyland, but perfect for California Adventure.
The highlight of my day was getting this Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies! A perfectly blended mint chocolate chip shake with a Halloween Minnie flair!
Disneyland Halloween Food - Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Schmoozies Halloween Treat Menu
Minnie Witch Shake - Mint Chocolate Chip Shake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Cream-filled Cookie ears $7.49
Mummy Donut - filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly $8.99
Caramel Apple Smoothie - Apples, Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and a Caramel Apple Lollipop $6.99
Also, across the way at Award Weiners try Oogie's Worms & Dirt Funnel Cake Fries - dusted in Crushed Chocolate Cream-filled Cookies with Cream Cheese Sauce, Cookie Pieces, Gummy Candies, Chocolate-coated Candies, and Whipped Cream $8.99
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark 2019
After we got our milkshakes, we went over to get in line for Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! The Collector’s Fortress cages had been opened releasing all the monsters. We joined Rocket in a thrilling race to rescue Groot during this daring Halloween adventure! As we were waiting in line there were employees looking for the monsters that had been released and it was pretty funny.
CARS LAND at Halloween Time
Cars Land Halloween time - I don’t know this kid, but he’s cute
The next area haunted was Cars Land, where Halloween decorations covered every inch of it.
I LOVE these posters! They literally made me LOL, especially Hocus Spokus because Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie out there.
So I started to think that I hadn't paid enough attention to detail without the halloween decorations, because have they always had these tire planters? So clever!:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
I loved how they lit everything at night with green and purple lighting. I'm really glad I took a picture of this because I did not spend nearly enough time absorbing everything that was happening on this building.
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
Trick-or-treat! Speaking of, let's talk treats. In the Cozy Cone Motel, according to the Disney Parks Blog there were the best Halloween food options at the various cones:
· Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone – Fresh-cooked pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, served in a Black Cauldron Cone
· Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn
· Junkyard JamBOOree Mix – Choice of flavored popcorn with optional “nuts and bolts” (e.g., green M&M’s, candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, Boston baked beans, etc.)
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $9 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
This year we also tried the Haul-O-Ween Churro, which is a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies!
Haul-O-Ween Churro, a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies
Cozy Cone Motel Halloween Treat Menu 2019
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies $5.99
Slow Burnin' Mac 'n' Cheese Cone - Pasta with Spicy Red Pepper Cheese Sauce topped with crushed Chile-Cheese Puffs served in a Bread Cone $8.99
"Spoke-y" Cone Macaron - filled with Marshmallow Buttercream and Candy Corn $5.99
Cozy Corn - Buttered Corn on the Cob, brushed with spicy Lime Mayo, rolled in choice of Cotija, Cheese Puffs or spicy Cheese Puffs $6.49
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies
Halloween Time ICE CREAM
Last year, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream was scooping up the Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae which had white chocolate-raspberry swirl ice cream with raspberry splatter, blood-red sprinkles, whipped cream, and Bat Wing cookies.
This year they have changed the menu and the closest thing sounded like the Boogie Man Sundae, a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl.
Here is the Halloween Menu this year:
Last Year’s BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream Halloween Menu 2019
Arendelle Aqua Macaron - Mickey-shaped Arendelle Aqua sparkly Macaron with Buttercream and Blueberries and Cream filling $5.99
Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich - Black Macaron with Charcoal-Tart Cherry Ice Cream topped with Popping Candy and drops of Raspberry Sauce $6.49
Minnie Witch Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate, with Chocolate accents and Sprinkles $5.69
Vampire Mickey Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate and Shortbread Cookie $6.49
Boogie Man Sundae - Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl $7.49
Poison Apple Premium Mug with Sundae - choice of Sundae served in a Purple Poison Apple Premium Mug $17.99
COCO
There was a special section that was loco with Coco!
We started to trek our way over to Disneyland and kept finding cute decorations!
DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN TIME DECORATIONS
Disneyland was all decked out with pumpkins and fall foliage!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
I loved Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid and love that they decorate the Haunted Mansion every year for the holidays. I can’t believe this movie has been out for over 25 years now!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
Try and catch the Electrical Parade before it goes away again before Sept 30, 2019!
Electrical Parade Alice in Wonderland
FRONTIERLAND Halloween Time
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
Halloween Fireworks
Stay for the Halloween Screams fireworks shows at 9:30p on selected nights!
What a great day! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
Reference: For more info on the special Halloween treats served at Disneyland and California Adventure, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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