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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.
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:
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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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
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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!
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