Gingerbread Templates for National Mall Smithsonian Structures

Transform your holiday baking into show-stopping masterpieces with professionally created architectural-grade gingerbread templates for structures that grace the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Created in collaboration between a top chef and a skilled landscape architect using advanced 3D modeling software and extensions, the templates ensure precise and easy-to-follow construction for stunning edible structures.

See our blog post: A Sweet, Memorable Gingerbread Collaboration

Key Features:

• Developed with cutting-edge software and architectural expertise, templates provide accuracy for a clean, professional-looking gingerbread creation.
• Crafted specifically for gingerbread artistry.
• Color coded, comprehensive guidelines to help you cut – then bake - and assemble your gingerbread structure.
• Print and ship process with FedEx.
• Perfect for holiday displays, baking competitions, or simply elevating your family’s seasonal traditions.

Available Gingerbread Template Collection:

United States Botanic Garden  |  The Washington Monument  |  National Museum of the American Indian  |  National Museum of Natural History  |  National Gallery of Art East Building

Why Choose Our Templates?

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, our templates take the guesswork out of creating impressive gingerbread structures to scale. By investing in expertly crafted, ready-to-print templates, you can focus on what matters most — having fun and making delicious memories.

Instructions for Use:

1. We will print and ship the template on sturdy paper or cardstock utilizing the FedEx print process.
2. Use the printed pieces as cutting guides for your gingerbread dough prior to baking or after baking.
3. Bake and assemble per the guidance and instructions noted on templates.
4. Use photography from the Smithsonian or the Trust for the National Mall for appropriate decorations and tableau layouts.

Need a recipe for your construction grade gingerbread? See below.

Need a recipe for your royal icing to use as mortar? Or for your decorating icing? Check out our section on Gingerbread Knowledge.

Ready to build your gingerbread masterpiece? Contact Ginger's Breadboys. Details available soon so you can shop and bring architectural beauty to your holiday table!

Construction-grade Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 c. granulated sugar
• ½ c. honey
• 1 T. warm water
• 4 eggs
• 2 T. ground ginger
• 2 t. cinnamon
• 2 t. cloves
• 5 c. flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. Pour sugar into mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
3. Heat honey in the microwave or 20 – 30 seconds, then pour onto sugar. Mix until combined
4. Add water and eggs. Mix until combined, scraping the sides as you go.
5. Add ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until combined, scraping the sides as you go.
6. Add flour one cup at a time. Mix until smooth.
7. Switch your mixer to a dough hook and continue to mix.
8. Add more flour if needed, until the dough starts to separate itself from the sides of the bowl.
9. Remove dough from the bowl and put into a gallon Ziploc bag.
10. Refrigerate for an hour (optional, but recommended)
11. Flour the surface of a baking mat and start rolling the dough out. Use a flour duster if it gets sticky.
12. Roll until flat and cut out your gingerbread pieces. Place on a parchment lined pan.
13. Bake the pieces at 325°F for 15 – 20 minutes, rolling the dough once after 10 minutes.
14. When the pieces are firm, remove them from the oven and lay them on a flat surface, then put the pan on top of them so they cool nice and flat.
15. Build and decorate.