During the winter, kitchens around the world fill with the smell of sugary sweets and warm spices as families gather to build gingerbread houses. Often seen as a simple holiday pastime, gingerbread houses have actually been around for more than 200 years.

According to European tradition, honey and spice cakes were brought to Europe by Gregory of Nicopolis, an Armenian monk, who later taught French Christians the recipe. German immigrants brought it to Poland in the 1300s, where Polish bakers created Toruń gingerbread, which came in variations such as chocolate-coated, fruit-filled, or simply glazed.

Gingerbread houses originated in Germany in the 1800s and gained popularity thanks to Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel. “The little house was built entirely from bread with a roof made of cake, and the windows were made of clear sugar,” the brothers wrote. Inspired by the story, Germans began decorating small houses from lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread cookie. They brought the tradition to America, where it became a beloved winter holiday activity. Over time, it evolved into the gingerbread we know today.

Gingerbread has a way of bringing people together during the holidays. From kitchen counters as festive decorations to competitive displays like the National Gingerbread House Competition, these creations appear in many forms and offer countless ways to enjoy the season. Pre-built kits make gingerbread houses more accessible than ever, whether you’re decorating for the first time or continuing a family tradition. Although kits usually take hours to assemble and decorate, they are a fun way to stay festive. With each icing swirl, a bit of the holiday’s sweetness comes alive.