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An all-butter gingerbread and a streamlined, stylish design are the secrets to these modern gingerbread houses. We've got the recipe and plans you need to get your (gingerbread) house in order.

- JODI LEVINE

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, elevate your gingerbread game with a modern take on a classic gingerbread house: our A-frame gingerbread chalet.

Unlike traditional gingerbread houses that often require intricate piping and a steady hand, our recipe starts with strong yet fragrant and tasty gingerbread, a smart design, and a clever approach to decorations that makes creative use of everyday ingredients, making it perfect for bakers and decorators of all skill levels.

Because making gingerbread houses is a fun group activity (yes, for grown-ups, too!), we're providing blueprints and extra decorating ideas for scaled-down versions of the chalet so you can host a decorating party where each guest gets their very own small chalet to embellish. Pre-bake the house pieces, set out your sweet supplies, put on some Vince Guaraldi, and watch a whole village come together.

MAKE THE DOUGH

Our gingerbread dough rolls out easily and becomes very firm after chilling-perfect for cutting out the simple shapes needed to construct the chalet. Baking transforms the dough into hard, sturdy cookie pieces that can hold up under the weight of the frosting and decorations. No time to bake? Start with a store-bought gingerbread house kit, and skip right to decorating (see p. 114).

1 ROLL OUT DOUGH

Divide dough, while still warm and pliable, into two equal portions. Roll out each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into 14- x 11-inch slabs about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with flour if needed. Stack slabs on a baking sheet, cover well, and chill until cold and firm to ensure cleanly cut house pieces.

2 DRAW YOUR BLUEPRINTS