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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.
Watch the full step-by-step video below before you start:
🐰 Make the Sweetest Easter Basket
If you’re putting together Easter baskets this year, I rounded up all my favorite ideas for truck-loving kids (including my book + coloring book 🤍).
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:
Sugar Cookie House Guide (Easy, No Gingerbread Required!)
This sugar cookie house guide covers recipe for dough, assembly, decorating ideas, frosting tips, and a free template for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and creative kid builds.
Valentine Sugar Cookie House
How to Make a Sugar Cookie House without Gingerbread- Easy and Kid-Friendly
If you love making gingerbread houses like I do, but don’t love gingerbread, this sugar cookie house guide is for you! A sugar cookie house is a fun, festive alternative that works for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and beyond—with soft cookies, easy dough, and decorations your whole family will actually enjoy eating.
Whether you’re building a classic holiday house or a pink-and-pastel Valentine’s Day version, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, with links to step-by-step seasonal tutorials.
Sugar Cookie House with Trucks Design
Why Make a Sugar Cookie House Instead of Gingerbread?
Sugar cookie houses are easier, tastier, and more kid-friendly than traditional gingerbread houses.
And look — there is absolutely nothing wrong with classic gingerbread. It smells festive and looks beautiful. I’m just not the biggest fan of eating it!
Over the years, I started experimenting with a sugar cookie house as a gingerbread alternative — and I honestly haven’t looked back.
If you’ve ever searched for:
gingerbread house alternative
easy gingerbread house ideas
best gingerbread house glue
no eggs gingerbread house
You might actually be looking for something simpler.
That’s where sugar cookies shine.
Why families love a sugar cookie house:
✔️ Softer cookies that are actually edible (YUM 😋)
✔️ No molasses or heavy spices required — just pantry staples
✔️ Easier dough to roll and bake evenly
✔️ Sturdier structure with buttercream “glue”
✔️ Works for multiple holidays — not just Christmas
If you’ve ever struggled with rock-hard gingerbread, broken walls, or icing that won’t hold, sugar cookies are a total game changer.
I use the same simple template and base dough for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and beyond. Once you learn the method, you can decorate it any way you want.
It’s less stress.
More creativity.
And way more fun to eat..
Shop my list - These are the tools I use when building my sugar cookie houses.
These are the baking tools I use every time I make a sugar cookie house—from mixing the dough to piping the final details.
What Is a Sugar Cookie House?
A sugar cookie house is built using sturdy sugar cookie panels instead of gingerbread. The cookies are baked slightly thicker to hold their shape, then assembled with frosting and decorated based on the season.
You can customize:
Roof style
Door and window shapes
Icing colors
Holiday-specific candy decorations
Check out my favorite Sugar Cookie Houses Pinterest board for design ideas!
Sugar Cookie Dough with Sprinkles
Sugar Cookie House Dough Basics
A good sugar cookie house dough should be:
Firm but not dry
Rolled evenly
Baked until set (not browned)
💡 Tip: Chill the dough before cutting shapes to prevent spreading.
You’ll find exact measurements and baking times inside each seasonal tutorial below.
How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House - Step by Step! Use containers to support the cookie walls while assembling
How to Assemble a Sugar Cookie House
Assembly is the same no matter the holiday.
Basic steps:
Bake and cool cookie panels completely
Decorate all pieces and refrigerate for 15 mins at least to let the frosting set
Pipe thick frosting along edges
Assemble walls first and let set
Add roof panels
You can use buttercream frosting (yes, really!) or royal icing depending on your preference.
See our Valentine’s Day post for more info about Buttercream Frosting do’s and don’t’s.
See the full sugar cookie house come together in this quick timelapse before we turn it into a leprechaun trap.
A quick timelapse of assembling the sugar cookie house before decorating it as a St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun trap.
Free Sugar Cookie House Template (Printable)
To make building a sugar cookie house even easier, we created a free printable sugar cookie house template you can use to cut consistent wall and roof pieces every time. This template works perfectly for sugar cookie dough and can be reused for different holidays and designs.
👉 Download the free sugar cookie house template here:
https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/shop/gingerbread-house
This template works for Christmas sugar cookie houses, Valentine’s Day houses, and any themed sugar cookie build.
Sugar Cookie House Design Ideas - Side walls and back
Sugar Cookie House Design Ideas and Gingerbread Accessories
One of the best things about a sugar cookie house is how easy it is to customize for different holidays, themes, and skill levels. Whether you’re decorating with toddlers or creating a show-stopping centerpiece, these ideas work beautifully with sugar cookie dough.
Popular sugar cookie house designs and Gingerbread accessories include:
Classic house with piped frosting and sprinkles
Minimalist house with simple lines and powdered sugar
Candy-covered house for kids who love decorating
Pastel or themed houses for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Easter
💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)
Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps
👉 For step-by-step decorating and recipes, explore our seasonal sugar cookie house tutorials below.
Save these sugar cookie house design ideas on Pinterest so you can come back when it’s time to bake.
How to Make a Sugar Cookie House for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day
Making a sugar cookie house for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day is simple when you use the same base template and decorate it for the season.
Christmas Sugar Cookie House Design - Cat in window
🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie House
A Christmas sugar cookie house is perfect for family traditions and holiday parties. Think snowy roofs, festive sprinkles, and classic Christmas candy. And maybe a cat in a window? Why not?!
👉 Read the full tutorial here: Christmas Sugar Cookie House (Easy & Kid-Friendly)
Popular Christmas decorations:
Mini gumdrops
Peppermints
White frosting “snow”
Holiday sprinkles
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House with Lace Icing Details for Sugar Cookie Houses
💕 Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House
A Valentine’s Day sugar cookie house is a sweet winter activity that doesn’t feel like Christmas leftovers. Pink frosting, heart cookies, and pastel candy make this a fun February tradition. When you think there’s too much pink just add more! Never enough pink in my book.
👉 Read the full tutorial here:
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie House (No Gingerbread Required)
Valentine decorating ideas:
Conversation hearts
Pink and red icing
Heart-shaped cookies
Sprinkles and sanding sugar
💖 Lace-Inspired (Perfect for Valentine’s Day)
Uses piped icing to mimic lace patterns
Great for Valentine’s, weddings, baby showers
Elegant look without extra baking steps
St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Trap Sugar Cookie House
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Trap
Turn your cookie house into an edible leprechaun trap!
Decorating ideas:
Rainbow path
“Free Gold” door
Gold coin bait.
See the full St. Patrick’s Day tutorial here.
🐰 Easter Sugar Cookie House Ideas
Spring is the perfect time to build a sugar cookie house. Instead of traditional gingerbread, decorate your cottage with:
Piped buttercream grass
Jelly bean eggs
Pastel icing details
A simple bunny silhouette
Tiny candy “tulips”
The same base template works beautifully for Easter — just swap the decorations for soft spring colors and playful details.
👉 See the full Easter Sugar Cookie House tutorial here.
Best Frosting for Sugar Cookie Houses
You have two great options:
Buttercream Frosting
Tastes better
Easy to make
Great for decorating with kids
No raw eggs
Royal Icing
Dries hard
Best for advanced builders
Less forgiving (and less tasty)
👉 Tip: For family builds, buttercream works surprisingly well when cookies are fully cooled.
My Favorite gingerbread house icing without eggs can be found on our Sugar Cookie Recipe Post
Kids Sugar Cookie Houses
Making Sugar Cookie Houses with Kids
Sugar cookie houses are much more forgiving for toddlers and young kids.
Kid-friendly tips:
Pre-bake all pieces
Let adults assemble the structure
Kids decorate once stable
Use squeeze bottles or zip-top bags for frosting
This makes it a fun, low-stress activity instead of a meltdown waiting to happen.
Snoopy Dog House Design - Sugar Cookie House
Snoopy Dog house Sugar Cookie House
Fun Themed Sugar Cookie Houses for Kids
If your kids love themed projects, a cartoon-inspired dog house sugar cookie house is a huge hit. We made a black-and-white dog house design that kids immediately recognized and loved decorating. It’s a great alternative to a traditional house and perfect for little hands that just want to frost, sprinkle, and have fun.
👉 This is a fun example of how sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all.
Sugar Cookie House and Truck - no gingerbread
Creative Sugar Cookie Builds for Kids
Sugar cookie houses don’t have to look like houses at all. One of our favorite kid-friendly builds was a sugar cookie truck, which was just as fun to decorate and even easier for little hands to work on. Flat shapes, bold outlines, and simple details make vehicle-style cookie builds a great option for younger kids who want to jump straight into decorating.
👉 This is a great example of how sugar cookie dough can be used for creative, kid-approved designs beyond traditional houses.
Also, add The Trucks that Saved Christmas to your collection!
Sugar Cookie Prep Station
Can You Make Sugar Cookie Houses Ahead of Time?
Yes, in fact I HIGHLY recommend making the dough ahead of time.
Cookies: Bake 2–3 days ahead
Frosting: Make 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate
Assembly: Same day is best
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
More Sugar Cookie House Ideas Coming Soon!
Chocolate gold coins placed outside a sugar cookie house leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day.
Final Thoughts: The Best Sugar Cookie House for Any Season
A sugar cookie house is a fun, flexible tradition that doesn’t have to be limited to Christmas. With simple ingredients and endless decorating options, it’s an activity your family can enjoy all year long.
Start with one season—or build them all.
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)
More Posts:
Sugar Cookie House cutouts
Maui With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide 2026
Maui is one of the easiest and most rewarding Hawaiian islands to visit with kids. From calm, swimmable beaches and walkable resort areas to family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities, this guide shares everything you need to know to plan a smooth, memorable Maui vacation with toddlers and young kids—based on real family experience.
Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves
Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.
Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.
We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!
Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE
Honokōwai Beach Park with a playground in Maui
🌴 Is Maui Safe to Visit Right Now? (Updated March 25, 2026)
If you’re planning a Maui trip with kids and wondering about recent weather updates, I completely understand — it’s something I would be thinking about too! 🤍 See our weather post on Instagram!
We were actually in Hawaii during the recent Kona Low storm, and it was a little scary at times (especially when even locals were saying they hadn’t seen weather like that before). That said, situations like this are temporary, and Maui continues to be a beautiful and welcoming place to visit.
Most family-friendly areas like Wailea and Kaanapali are open and operating as usual. Weather can always impact plans a little, so having a flexible itinerary (especially with kids!) can make everything feel much smoother.
When we travel with our boys, I always like to have a few backup options — whether that’s a relaxed beach day, a pool afternoon, or an easy activity nearby. We hung out in the pool and at the beach a lot because they were near the hotel and we were wet from the rain anyway. Please use caution and check reports, the ocean might not be safe to swim in due to run-offs or strong currents.
I also had books and coloring books for the room, stock up on our favorite: The Trucks that Saved Series for rainy days with kids!
As always, it’s a good idea to check current conditions during your stay and use caution, especially with ocean conditions, which can change quickly.
Maui is such a special place for families, and this guide is here to help you plan a trip that feels fun, easy, and low-stress no matter what!
Honua Kai is a great place to stay with kids - multiple room option configurations, water slides, and a full kitchen, what else do you need?!
Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families
After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!
🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids
| Area | Best For | Walkability | Beach Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kā‘anapali | First-timers, toddlers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sandy, swimmable |
| Wailea | Luxury, older kids | ⭐⭐ | Resort beaches |
| Napili / Kapalua | Quiet stays, babies | ⭐ | Calm coves |
These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.
Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids
Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.
Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.
Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.
🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels
Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!
Condo Rental Wins:
Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!
My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.
We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!
The Trucks that Saved the Park story book and coloring book are NOW available!
🧳 Planning a Hawaii trip with kids?
I made a free family packing list with carry-on essentials, beach must-haves, snacks, sleep items, and toddler travel favorites.
Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai
Best resorts for families
Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!
Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:
Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.
The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!
Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.
The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.
Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.
African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui
Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:
Grand Wailea
Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.
The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.
Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.
See our full review of The Grand Wailea.
Honokōwai Beach Park
🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:
Calm water
Shallow entry
Easy parking
Nearby bathrooms
Here’s what we recommend:
Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but
Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.
Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.
Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!
Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay
Best Things to Do in Maui With Kids
Some of the best things to do in Maui with kids include beach days in Wailea, snorkeling in calm coves, easy Road to Hana stops, shave ice tastings, scenic hikes, and sunset walks along the coast. Maui makes it easy to mix adventure with relaxation for the whole family.
🌊 Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best family-friendly activities in Maui. Head to calm beaches like Kapalua Bay, Black Rock, or Ulua Beach in Wailea where the water is typically gentle and clear. Kids love spotting colorful fish right off the shore, and many beaches have lifeguards and easy entry points.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning for the calmest water conditions.
🍧 Shave Ice Tasting
You can’t visit Maui with kids and skip shave ice. It’s practically a family tradition. Try tasting your way through different spots across the island — from classic rainbow flavors to fresh fruit syrups with ice cream at the bottom. It’s the perfect cool-down treat after beach time or a hike.
(We have a full list of our favorite shave ice spots in Maui here!)
🥾 Easy Hikes
ʻIao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in, which makes it extra fun for kids.
Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller-friendly with stunning beach views and plenty of spots to stop and explore.
See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!
🚜 Farm Visits
Kula Ranch is a great place to visit — especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea, but you’ll need to drive around the island to reach it.
And don’t leave without grabbing pumpkin bread from the little roadside stand!
🚗 Road to Hana Stops
The Road to Hana is one of the best ways to experience how gorgeous Maui truly is — filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops, and more.
It’s an ALL-day adventure, so plan ahead.
Must-stops:
Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach
Haleakalā National Park (Pipiwai Trail + Bamboo Forest hike)
See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!
📸 Professional Maui Family Photos
Maui provides the perfect backdrop for family photos — think Christmas card “Mele Kalikimaka” vibes.
Our favorite local photographer, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is incredibly talented. She captures gorgeous maternity and family sessions. Be sure to book ahead of time — sessions fill quickly!
Maui Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography
Don’t forget to print our favorite Coloring Pages to take on the plane!
🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui
Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!
Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”
The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!
🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)
When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.
These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:
Gummies
Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.Pouches
Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.
Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!
💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.
We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller
Traveling to Maui With Toddlers
Nap-friendly days
With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap. See our packing checklist for our sleep setup!
Stroller walks
There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!
Pool days vs adventure days
We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.
We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.
What to skip with toddlers
The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.
Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.
Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.
Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui
5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
Day 1 Arrival
12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car
1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof
3p Check into Honua Kai Condo
4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!
6p Back to hotel for bedtime - Read The Trucks that Saved the Park for a sweet bedtime story
Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers
5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room
7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s
8a Pool opens!
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake
4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach
6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime
Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier
Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure
5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)
6:30a Drive the Road to Hana
8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop
9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls
11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana
1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.
3p Drive back to hotel
5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back
6p Bedtime
Day 4 - Pool and Luau
6a Kids wake up
7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo
8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Quick Pool Play
7p Bedtime
Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart
6:30a Kids Wake Up
7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s
8:30a Take turns with your partner packing
10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)
Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room
What to Pack for Maui With Kids
I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.
🏖️ Download our FREE Packing Checklist and below is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.
➡️ Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.
✈️ Carry-on List for the Plane
Personal Carry-on:
Toys & some books 📚
iPad
Headphones 🎧
Waterbottles
Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!
Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch
Pouches
That’s it bars
Pirate booty
Cereal Bars from Trader Joes
Bear Fruit Snacks
Gummies
Teddy Grahams
Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into checked bags:
Sleep
Inflatable beds
Sheets x 2
Blanket x 2
Small Toddler pillow
PJs
White noise / Hatch
Food Things
Food bag
Bowls 🥣
Baby Spoons 🥄
Bibs
Water cup/bottle
Milk cup
Sippy cup
Safe dish soap 🧼
Sandwich bags
Snack bowl
Travel and Misc
Car seat x 2
Car seat bags x 2
Swaddle
Clothes pins
Outlet covers
Beach bag
Beach blanket mat
Toiletries for Kids
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Soft Wash Cloths
Nail clippers
Brush
Kids Tylenol
Kids Sunscreen
Diaper rash cream
Baby Aquaphor/neosporin
Ear drops
Clothes and diapers
Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel
Socks
Shorts
Shirts
Swimwear
Swim diapers
Size 4 diapers
Pull ups
Overnight Diapers
Wipes
Hat
Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag
Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list
Bath Toys - Cars 🚗
Books 📚 - Especially The Trucks that Saved the Park book 😘
Sand toys 🏖️
Football 🏈 - Water safe recommended for the pool!
Frisbee
Trucks 🛻
Cars 🚙
Sticker Road Tape
Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book
Cards 🃏
Travel Magnatiles
🛏️ Toddler Travel Sleep Hack (Game-Changer for Maui Trips!)
If you’re traveling to Maui with a toddler, let’s talk about sleep… because it can make or break your trip 😅
One of our absolute must-haves now is a toddler travel bed for hotel rooms, and I can’t recommend this enough.
Instead of trying to figure out where your toddler will sleep (or dealing with rolling out of a big hotel bed 🙃), this creates a cozy, familiar space just for them—no matter where you’re staying.
We’ve used this on our trips, and it makes bedtime SO much easier, especially after long beach days.
This toddler travel bed makes hotel sleep so much easier when traveling with kids.
How to Set Up a Toddler Travel Bed in a Hotel Room
Setting up a toddler travel bed in your hotel room is quick and easy—and makes bedtime so much smoother when traveling with kids.
Here’s how we do it:
• Inflate the toddler travel bed using the included pump (it takes less than a minute!)
• Add a twin bed sheet over the top to make it feel soft and familiar
• Layer with a blanket + their favorite stuffy for comfort
• Pack a toddler pillow — standard hotel pillows are usually too big and can be uncomfortable for little necks
This simple setup helps create a cozy, familiar sleep space—so your toddler can settle in easier, even in a brand new place
👉 You can see the exact one we use here: https://amzn.to/4bHtOv3
Why we love it:
• Perfect size for hotel rooms and condos
• Helps toddlers feel comfortable in a new space
• Easy to set up and pack
• Makes travel routines feel more like home
It’s one of those things you don’t think you need… until you use it once and never travel without it again!
Is Maui Worth It With Kids?
Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.
More Maui Posts:
TOP 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAUI, HAWAII | You can't miss...
You can’t miss these Top 10 things to do in Maui, HI! From zip-lining to the Road to Hana to snorkeling, check out some of our favorite activities in Maui, Hawaii! What to do, where to go, free & budget-friendly ideas. #maui #hawaii #lahaina
Snorkel at Black Rock to see plenty of fish and Hawaiian Green sea turtles!
THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO IN MAUI
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
We have traveled to Maui every year since 2013 and try to find something new to do every time. Although it is a small island, there is a lot to see! The island of Maui, with its lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches, offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Hawaiian culture, Maui has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best things to do in Maui, from sightseeing and exploring the Road to Hana to swimming with Hawaiian green sea turtles and indulging in delicious local cuisine. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the sweet escape to Maui!
1. Embarking on the Hana Highway: A Maui Adventure Awaits
The Road to Hana, a winding ribbon of asphalt snaking along Maui's northeastern coast, is more than just a drive – it's an unforgettable journey. Prepare for breathtaking coastal cliffs, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and hidden black sand beaches. This iconic route is a true test of patience, but the rewards are immense.
There are so many sights to see along the island of Maui and Hana Highway is a perfect full-day activity to see its beauty. Some of our favorite stops include and amount of time you should spend there in parenthesis:
1. Black Sand Beach (60 mins)
2. Lava Tubes (30 mins)
3. Red Sand Beach (30 mins)
4. Coconut Glen's ice cream (15 mins)
5. Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike, and swim in the seven sacred pools)
Check out our complete guide to the Road to Hana with mile marker stops, a map, and video - Road to Hana Guide
Let someone else drive since you’re on vacation! Book a Road to Hana Tour so you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Don’t forget to pack your reef safe sunblock and a cute hat!
2. Go Snorkeling
The best part about the end of the Kaanapali beach is the Black Rock, which is located right in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort. Where it might seem like a hideous black lava rock, under the sea you can find gorgeous coral, tons of fish, and usually see a Hawaiian sea turtle or two!
Another great spot is Kapalua Bay. Even though the clarity isn't as great as around Black Rock, there are still plenty of fish to see. On one of our swims, we saw 6 turtles! We parked in a free beach parking lot next to Merriman's Kapalua, but make sure you get there early for a spot.
Take a day trip to Molokini Crater for some of the best Hawaiian reef snorkeling! Book this snorkel tour!
See the full list of spots in our Best Snorkel Spots and beaches in Maui post (video included)!
Pro-tip: Ship snorkel gear straight to the hotel! I personally use a Cressi snorkel mask is incredible for snorkeling! You can find more in our Amazon Storefront!
Snorkeling with green Hawaiian Sea turtles in Kapalua Bay
3. Nakalele Blowhole
As the tide rolls in, the blowhole shoots water over 20 feet in the air! Located North of Kapalua (approx 8 miles), park near mile marker 38.5.
Sad news, as of January 2020, the Heart Rock has washed away and is only half a heart! :(
However, the blowhole is still there and that’s fun! :)
WARNING: DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE TO THE BLOWHOLE, IT CAN SUCK YOU IN! It’s nice to admire from a few feet away.
4. Catch the Sunrise at the Top of Haleakala Crater
We left our hotel around 3am and went on a crazy drive to the top of Haleakala at 10,000 feet, but it was worth it for this magnificent sunrise above the clouds. Side note - Josh proposed to me here!
YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE TOP OF HALEAKALA BEFORE 7AM!
Make Your Sunrise Reservation - Reservations are available online up to 60 days in advance of your sunrise visit on recreation.gov. More info here: Haleakala Sunrise
A visitor may only purchase one sunrise reservation per three-day period.
A small number of last-minute tickets are released online two days beforehand.
There are also great Haleakala Tours that will take you to the top (after all, you’re on vacation). If you’re adventurous, there are tours that will take you to the top to see the sunrise, then coast back down to the bottom on a bicycle!
Don’t like to get up early? I don’t blame you! Sunset is lovely too and after it sets you are in the perfect setting for stargazing! Look up for the Milky Way!
Pro-tip: BRING A SWEATSHIRT! It gets really cold at 10,000 feet!
See more details and our full itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui
5. Go Scuba Diving
We loved scuba diving with the company, Extended Horizons in Lahaina. Not only do they go to the best spots but also have the best dive guides! The dive site, Cathedral I, was one of my favorite dives - we went in a cave! See our video compilation and reviews here: Best Scuba Dive Sites in Maui
We even achieved our advanced certification with Extended Horizons. We did a night dive which we saw so many crustaceans and fish with the glow of a flashlight while also experiencing the glow from bioluminescence.
Not certified? Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, is also a great place to go under the sea without getting wet! Located in Maalaea, which you’ll most likely pass to and from the airport, see the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere!
Pro Tip: Whale watching is also fun during the months from November to May! Maui charters will do sunset cruises, or day cruises. Look out for humpback whales!
Please protect the reefs and get reef-safe sunscreen:
6. Get a Massage
Need I say more? We like to do the couples massages at the Spa at Black Rock at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, which is also our favorite place to stay. There are many locations around the resort to get a massage – the spa, lawn, or even near the beach, anywhere you go, you won’t regret it. You’re on vacation, you deserve it!
Check out our Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
7. Go shopping and have some great food!
Lahaina – The fire in 2023 was beyond devastating to Maui and unfortunately most of the shops on Front Street are no longer there. There is the Lahaina Cannery Mall with a few stores, food trucks in the parking lot, and they often have cultural Hawaiian events!
Make sure you visit the Banyan tree, a gorgeous tree that covers over half an acre! It survived the fires, thankfully!
Whalers Village - Located on Kaanapali Beach right next to the Westin. Here you will find shops you would normally see in most malls (Oakley, Sephora, Tommy Bahama) but also has restaurants (Hula Grill, Monkeypod, Leilani’s, fast food options) and of course, an ABC Store.
Whalers Village - Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii
Sand People – I have to mention this shop as it is only found in Hawaii. It’s like an Etsy store full of coastal home goods, locally made jewelry and clothing. My FAVORITE! There are a few - Whaler’s Village and Front Street in Lahaina.
The Shops at Wailea - Located among the hotels along Wailea beach, you’ll find restaurants (Lineage, Tommy Bahama, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise), clothing shops, a market, and ABC Store.
Related Post - Check out our favorite restaurants here: Best Maui Restaurants
8. Get Some Hawaiian Shave Ice
Shaved ice + flavored syrups + macadamia nut ice cream in the bottom = YUM!
There are so many locations all over Maui, you really can’t go wrong with any of them! My favorite combo is pineapple and coconut syrup with macadamia nut ice cream in the bottom – pretty much an ice cream pina colada (minus the alcohol)!
Pro-tip: The Shaved Ice location in Whalers Village (Ka’anapali Beach) has spoons that change colors with the temperature!
HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE MAUI HAWAII
Also, check out my favorite ice cream place, Coconut Glen's Ice Cream!
9. Go Zip-lining
There are a lot of places that offer zip-lining, yet we went to the original (they even have zipline.com)! We used Kaanapali Zip Line Adventure, known for their award-winning 8-line, and had a blast. Stunning views from Lahaina to Kaanapali and 8 different lines cascading down the mountain! At the end of your last zip line you can drop into a lake! Our guides were so nice and had so much energy that we laughing the whole time! Check out these other great tours as well: Zipline Adventures
Don’t forget your GoPro! You can even get a mount for your helmet!
10. Enjoy a Lu'au
DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LU'AU HYATT
The Drums of the Pacific Lu'au encompasses Hawaiian traditions with fun! The Rhythms of the Polynesian ritual will have you dancing along at the Hyatt Regency Maui on Kaanapali Beach. A traditional Hawaiian feast is served buffet style with an open bar and is better than the Lahaina Luau. Despite the fact the drinks are a little watered down, I found it highly entertaining and was captivated by the fast-moving hips to the beat of the drum in the traditional Hawaiian dance. Find a luau near you: Best Maui Luaus
How about a festive outfit for the evening:
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
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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!