Festive Gingerbread House Nachos Recipe Easy Holiday Treat

The crunch of spiced gingerbread paired with creamy frosting and a cascade of colorful holiday candies—this isn’t your average dessert. Festive Gingerbread House Nachos are a playful, delicious twist on traditional holiday treats that bring warmth, creativity, and just the right touch of whimsy to your table. You don’t need hours of construction or a steady hand for decorating; this recipe is all about fun, flavor, and family time. Trust me, it’s the holiday dessert you didn’t know you needed!

It all started when my kids wanted to make a gingerbread house but didn’t have the patience for icing walls and waiting for them to dry. So, we decided to break the rules—literally—and ended up with a tray of crunchy gingerbread pieces, piled high with frosting, candies, and festive cheer. It’s quick to create, easy to customize, and perfect for bringing everyone together in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No complex assembly required. Just bake, break, and decorate!
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s Christmas Eve or a cozy December afternoon, these nachos scream holiday magic.
• Fun for All Ages: Kids love decorating, and adults enjoy the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread.
• Customizable: Switch up the toppings to suit your taste—chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits work beautifully.
• Great for Gatherings: A surefire crowd-pleaser, these nachos are perfect for parties or family movie nights.
• No Waste: If your gingerbread house crumbles or the pieces break, they can still shine in this recipe!

Unlike a regular gingerbread house, there’s no pressure for perfection here. This dish turns the traditional idea on its head, making it more approachable and, dare I say, even more fun. Sweet, spiced, creamy, crunchy—every bite is a little holiday celebration in and of itself.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, festive ingredients to create a holiday masterpiece without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gingerbread: Homemade or store-bought gingerbread cookies, broken into pieces
• Royal Icing: Thick and creamy icing for drizzling and “gluing” toppings
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy for a touch of indulgence
• Mini Marshmallows: Adds a soft, pillowy texture
• Holiday Candies: Think candy canes, gumdrops, chocolate buttons, sprinkles—whatever you love!
• Chocolate Chips: Melted and drizzled for extra decadence
• Powdered Sugar: A dusting of snow-like magic

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint to the sweetness. Use what you have on hand—this recipe is all about celebrating the season without stress.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Festive Gingerbread House Nachos:

• Baking Tray: To arrange your nachos
• Mixing Bowl: For your icing
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading icing and whipped cream
• Piping Bag: Optional, for precise icing drizzles
• Decorating Tweezers: For placing tiny candies (great but optional!)

If you don’t have a piping bag, no worries—use a zip-top bag and snip off a corner for a DIY version. And when it comes to decorating tools, your fingers work perfectly fine too!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Gingerbread: If you’re baking from scratch, follow your favorite gingerbread recipe and cut the dough into medium-sized pieces before baking. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Make the Royal Icing: Whisk together 2 cups (240g) of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a drizzling consistency.
3. Arrange the Base: Place your broken gingerbread pieces onto a tray or plate, creating a layer similar to nachos.
4. Add Whipped Cream: Spoon or pipe dollops of whipped cream across the gingerbread pieces. Be generous—it’s the glue that holds everything together!
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle mini marshmallows, holiday candies, and any optional toppings like nuts or coconut over the gingerbread.
6. Drizzle Chocolate: Melt ½ cup (85g) of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the nachos.
7. Finish with Powdered Sugar: Use a sieve to lightly dust powdered sugar over the entire tray for a snowy effect.
8. Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest flavors, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if needed.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Keep the Gingerbread Uniform: Break the pieces into similar sizes so they’re easy to grab and eat.
• Balance Sweetness: Don’t overdo it with sugary toppings—use nuts or dried fruit for variety.
• Prevent Soggy Nachos: Add whipped cream and drizzles right before serving to keep the gingerbread crispy.
• Effortless Decorating: Let kids handle the decorating for a fun family activity. It’s okay if it looks messy—it’s part of the charm!
• Work Quickly with Chocolate: Melted chocolate can harden fast, so be ready to drizzle once it’s smooth.

The trick is to embrace the imperfect beauty of this dessert—it’s meant to be fun, not fussy. And don’t worry if your gingerbread pieces don’t look perfect; the toppings will cover it all!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gingerbread cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Version: Substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream and make icing using plant-based milk.
• Seasonal Swaps: Replace holiday candies with pastel sprinkles and chocolate eggs for Easter nachos.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the melted chocolate for a surprising twist.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or caramelized almonds for added crunch.

One of my favorite variations? Adding chopped dried apricots and a drizzle of caramel sauce—it’s an amazing balance of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone loves.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Festive Gingerbread House Nachos are best served fresh, but here’s how to make the most of them:

• Serving: Serve at room temperature with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for the ultimate holiday pairing.
• Presentation: Arrange on a large platter with extra candies in small bowls for a DIY topping bar.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: If the chocolate hardens, let the nachos sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Over time, the gingerbread can soften slightly, but the flavors only get better as the toppings meld together.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While Festive Gingerbread House Nachos are a treat, they do have some redeeming qualities:

• Estimated Calories: 250 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Key Ingredients: Gingerbread offers warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, which may aid digestion.
• Dietary Considerations: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free diets.
• Allergens: Contains dairy, wheat, and possibly nuts depending on toppings used.

It’s a dessert, yes—but one that brings joy, creativity, and a healthy dose of holiday spirit.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that’s fun, festive, and easy to make, Festive Gingerbread House Nachos are the answer. They’re quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. For me, this recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a tradition born out of laughter and creativity during the holidays.

Give this recipe a try, and let your imagination run wild with toppings and variations. I’d love to hear your ideas—leave a comment below or share your creations on social media. Let’s make this holiday season sweeter, one gingerbread nacho at a time!

Happy holidays and happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies?

Absolutely! Store-bought cookies work perfectly and save time.

Can I make the royal icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before using.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling?

Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds to avoid burning.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free gingerbread cookies and ensure all toppings are gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap royal icing and whipped cream for plant-based versions, and check that your candies are vegan-friendly.

Print