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Home / Holiday / Christmas / Gingerbread Nativity and The Reason for the Season

Gingerbread Nativity and The Reason for the Season

By: 👩‍🦳 Linda · Published: 🖨 December 20, 2011 · Updated: 💻December 6, 2021 · 🗨 36 Comments

Recipe ▼

Make a Gingerbread Nativity with your family this Advent season. It is a fun and tasty way to explore the story of the first Christmas.

The full scene of the Gingerbread Nativity.

Gingerbread houses with their pretty decorations all covered in frosting and candy have always fascinated me. These edible works of art can range from simple cottages to elaborate castles. During the Christmas season, gingerbread kits can easily be found but Gingerbread Nativity is somewhat of a rarity. I was delighted to chance upon this German set recently and could not help but bring it home as I also do collect Nativity sets.

Nativity

Nativities have a timeless charm. They depict the first Christmas and the birth of the Christ Child. The angels proclaim, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to all men.” For without Christ, there is no Christmas.

Gingerbread holy family

Nativity Cookie Cutters

Anyway, these awesome cookie cutters came with a gingerbread recipe which is a little different from the American gingerbread. It calls for honey and treacle instead of molasses. It also uses gingerbread spice. I decided to give it a try. Since I did not have treacle or gingerbread spice, I had to change things up a bit. I reduced the brown sugar and used all honey instead. For the spices, I used a mixed of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. I was very pleased with the results.

Gingerbread Nativity cookie cutters

Making This Gingerbread Nativity

Making the dough, cutting the little figures, and slabs of walls were easy enough. Transferring the huge base slab to the cookie sheet was a little tricky. A third of it did break off and had to be re-attached on the cookie sheet. Good thing they all came out of the oven intact.

Next, came the decorating of the figures.

Figures for the Gingerbread Nativity.

Then, the construction of the manger. An extra pair of hands was needed to put the large sections of “wall” together. I had to enlist the help of Ro-Ri San.

Manger construction

Mary and baby Jesus.

Gingerbread Mary and Baby Jesus

The Wise Men.

Gingerbread Wise Men

The palm trees were fun to decorate but were a little top heavy and difficult to keep erect. We had to “glue” them down with a little frosting.

Gingerbread trees

The kit did not come with a star and so we used a small star shaped cookie cutter to make our own Star of Bethlehem. We attached it to the roof using a toothpick.

The completed Gingerbread Nativity.

The process was very time consuming but we had so much fun putting it together. Finally, it was all done and we could stand back to admire our handiwork. 🙂

A closeup of the Gingerbread Nativity.

Please visit again on Thursday for my Christmas post as I will be sharing some family pictures and also a special Nativity in my collection. In the meantime, here is the recipe for the Gingerbread Nativity Cookies. Please cut and decorate as desired.

Similar Products Used in Making This Gingerbread Nativity

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.

AirBake Nonstick 2 Pack Cookie Sheet Set, 14in x 12in and 16in x 14in
Kitchenatics 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling and Roasting Rack

The full scene of the Gingerbread Nativity.
4.34 from 3 votes

Gingerbread Nativity Cookies

Make a Gingerbread Nativity with your family this Advent season. It is a fun and tasty way to explore the story of the first Christmas.
(Makes 40 cookies)
Author : Linda Ooi
Course : Dessert
Cuisine : American
Keyword : gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread nativity, gingerbread nativity cookies
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Total Time 42 mins
Servings : 40
Calories : 113kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup honey (160g)
  • 1/3 cup water (80ml)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (45g)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup/230g)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (600g)
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

  • Bring honey, water, and brown sugar in a small saucepan to a boil. Stir in ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Add butter and salt and stir till butter is melted and well combined. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
  • Combine all-purpose flour and baking soda in a large bowl. Pour cooled mixture in flour. Mix with a spatula and then knead into a soft dough. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  • Place on baking sheet and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 to 14 minutes. Remove and allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @RotiNRice or tag #RotiNRice

1.6K shares

Categories: 🗂 Christmas, Cookies, Western

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Comments

  1. Melanie @ Melanie Cooks says

    December 20, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    What a unique gingerbread house! So perfectly decorated, it’s a work of art!

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    December 20, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    4 stars
    What a wonderful post! A beautiful and charming Nativity, it lifted my heart. A great recipe which I am going to try – I will probably make just plain cookies rather than attempt to re-create the Nativity at this advanced date before Christmas! I really enjoy your blog.
    May you have a most blessed Christmas.

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 10:04 am

      So glad to hear that you found it uplifting. 🙂 Ye, I will probably make this gingerbread again as it tasted really good. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

      Reply
      • payton says

        December 17, 2019 at 10:49 am

        5 stars
        i like your gingerbread nativity

        Reply
        • Linda says

          December 18, 2019 at 9:44 am

          Thank you! Have a blessed Christmas!

          Reply
  3. Lisa H says

    December 20, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    This is gorgeous Nativity gingerbread 🙂

    Reply
  4. Ann@Anncoo Journal says

    December 20, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    Biren, Very pretty gingerbread house. Love the decoration 🙂
    I just made gingerbread cookies with honey too. The dough was so easy to handle and tastes good.

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 10:05 am

      I am sure your gingerbread cookies must be very tasty and pretty. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Amelia says

    December 21, 2011 at 2:18 am

    Hi Biren, wow..your ginger bread house so pretty and cute. Very neat decoration, 2 thumbs up for you. Have a nice day.

    Reply
  6. Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:27 am

    I love that!!!!! Well done, Biren!

    Happy holidays!

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What’s for Dinner
    http://www.mawhats4dinner.com

    Reply
  7. Curry and Comfort says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:34 am

    Wow!! You certainly did a fantastic job with that Gingerbread Nativity! I could never decorate cookies that nicely! I also like the gingerbread recipe… love treacle. 🙂 Hope you have a joyful and wonderful Christmas!!!

    Reply
  8. At Home with Rebecka says

    December 21, 2011 at 8:50 am

    I just purchased a prefabricated gingerbread house for my daughter and her friend to make the other day. I’ll be posting photos of her efforts later today. You are a better women than I for making it all from scratch!! I absolutely love the Nativity…truly the reason for the season! So beautiful and inspiring Biren!! Have a very Merry Christmas my friend♥

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 10:08 am

      I will have to check out your post. Pre-fab is just fine. We did that when the boys were little. This was quite a project but it was fun. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🙂

      Reply
  9. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says

    December 21, 2011 at 8:54 am

    One of the happiest moments of my life was when Dudette came to me a few weeks ago and confided that she knew Santa wasn’t real and that Christmas is really all about Jesus’ birthday.

    I love your gingerbread nativity (and am shocked that there wasn’t a star with the kit!). Your decorating skills are stellar… I can’t wait to see the one you post for Christmas.

    Blessed Christmas to you and your family Biren!

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 10:16 am

      So glad to hear Dudette found the true meaning of Christmas. Certainly something to rejoice in. 🙂

      The idea of attaching the star with a toothpick was inspired by one of the Nativity in our collection. I am really happy the way this Gingerbread Nativity turned out. Couldn’t have done it without hubby’s help. Please do visit again tomorrow as I have my Christmas post all ready to go.

      A very Blessed Christmas and New Year to you and your family!

      Reply
  10. Gina says

    December 21, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Was wondering if you have a link for the set, i was looking for a new one. This came out so beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family Biren.
    -Gina-

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 2:59 pm

      Gina, I chanced upon this set at Homegoods. It is a one-off thing. However a quick search internet came up with this link. I am not sure if Amazon Germany will ship to the US.

      Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Reply
  11. Angie's Recipes says

    December 21, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Very German 😉 You did a fantastic job in setting the whole thing up.

    Reply
  12. Tina (PinayInTexas) says

    December 21, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Such a beautiful post, Biren! What a great way of honoring the TRUE reason for the season!
    You did a fantastic job with your nativity gingerbread!

    Reply
  13. Anita Strauss says

    December 21, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    This is such a great idea! I adore nativity scenes, and have tried to make some out of dolls and such, but gingerbread cookies? Such a fresh idea.

    Reply
  14. Mari @ Mari's Cakes says

    December 21, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Beautiful!! I have to get this set, it is the most beautiful cookie setting I have seen. My daughters will love it!

    Have a blessed Christmas!

    Reply
  15. Monique says

    December 21, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Be still my heart~

    Reply
  16. tigerfish says

    December 21, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    This gingerbread house is so different from the usual I have seen. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  17. Tammy says

    December 21, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    Amazing and marvelous! I was so impressed with your Nativity scene I posted about it on my blog and pinned it on Pinterest. What a terrific way to bring back the focus to Christ. Thank you so much. I am definitely subscribing to your blog. (Thank you Foodgawker for bringing me to your blog!)

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 21, 2011 at 11:29 pm

      Nice to meet you Tammy, and thanks for visiting. I am very happy to hear you like the Gingerbread Nativity and its message. Many thanks also for sharing it. God bless and have a Blessed Christmas!

      Reply
  18. Dongxing's Daughter says

    December 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    I can tell by looking at the picture it will be yummy but difficult to make,it is very beautiful too. Merry christmas Aunt L.

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 23, 2011 at 12:20 pm

      Hi J, I am glad you like this Gingerbread Nativity. 🙂 Yes, the gingerbread is very yummy, not too sweet or heavily scented. It is a really good one to cut into shapes and decorate. I hope you, A, mom, and dad have a wonderful Christmas!

      Reply
  19. Brenda says

    December 23, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I stumbled on your website in search of a nativity scene. Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. Every year my daughter and I make a gingerbread house. I just LOVE the Gingerbread Nativity. I am also a collector of the Nativity scenes and to change from making a Gingerbread house to a Gingerbread Nativity every year would be an even better tradition to pass on. I cannot wait to find the set. Thank you so much. God Bless and have a Very Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 23, 2011 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Brenda, thanks for visiting and leaving such a sweet comment. I chanced upon this Nativity cookie cutters at Homegoods. I am sorry I can’t provide a local link for the set but it is available at Amazon Germany as stated in one of my response above. It will be a wonderful tradition to pass on. Please check out my Christmas post for a special Nativity in my collection http://www.rotinrice.com/2011/12/merry-christmas/. Wishing you and your family a very Blessed Christmas!

      Reply
  20. Mary Galea says

    November 30, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    I’m SO impressed with this, and as I too collect Nativity sets, I am going on an all out search for these little cutters. It’s divine – literally!! LOL

    Reply
  21. Vivian says

    December 8, 2012 at 12:05 am

    Looking for a gingerbread recipe and came across this. Love the navity set. My question if this page is still active, how long can we keep the navity set (decorated) before eating it? Don’t really want to make one and not be able to eat it, or eat it instantly and not be able to enjoy it visually.

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 8, 2012 at 10:40 am

      I actually placed plastic shrink wrap over the Nativity for more than a week. This post was done on the 20th but we only ate it a few days after Christmas. It is a gingerbread cookie and so it kept really well. There was so much of it and so I cut it up into smaller pieces and continued to enjoy them for another week or so. Yes, you can definitely make it, enjoy it visually, and also eat it after that. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Khari Wellman says

    December 16, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Where can I get these cookie cutters?!

    Reply
    • Biren says

      December 18, 2012 at 7:27 am

      Currently, this set of cookie cutters is only available at Amazon, UK. Here is the link.

      Reply
  23. Steve says

    December 5, 2018 at 8:33 am

    4 stars
    This is great Linda. BUT I can’t find this cookie cutter set anywhere. Do you have a link?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Linda says

      December 6, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Unfortunately, this set of cookie cutters are only available at Amazon, Germany. Not sure if they will ship it to the US. Here is the —> link.

      Reply

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My grace is sufficient for thee…
2 Corinthians 12:9

Hi, I’m Linda! I make quick, easy meals, and spin on classics and old favorites with focus on Malaysian, Chinese, and American cuisines. Read more →

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