The Terrazas sisters, Abriella and Isabella, have turned a cherished family tradition into a viral sensation. Their intricate, architecturally inspired gingerbread houses have captivated millions on TikTok, showcasing a unique blend of design skills, holiday spirit, and family bonding.
Growing up, the Terrazas family embraced baking, decorating, and crafting, especially during the holidays. Gingerbread houses were an annual tradition, evolving from simple graham cracker structures to elaborate mansion kits. In 2020, however, a shortage of kits led to a pivotal moment: their mother suggested the sisters design their own. Leveraging Abriella’s architectural studies at the University of Southern California, the sisters embarked on a new level of gingerbread creation.
Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software, Abriella drafted blueprints, bringing to life their first gingerbread greenhouse. This marked the beginning of a yearly tradition of designing and constructing increasingly complex gingerbread masterpieces. Their creations have garnered widespread attention on TikTok, with one video amassing over 6.4 million views.
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The sisters describe the process as “chaotic but fun,” a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit behind their creations. Each project takes four to five days, encompassing blueprint design, layout preparation, baking, assembly, and meticulous decoration. The entire family participates, from baking cookies to offering design input, solidifying the tradition as a cherished family affair. Even their dog, Coco, contributes as a “skilled floor sweeper,” cleaning up stray powdered sugar and gingerbread debris.
Abriella draws inspiration from her architectural studies, travels, and daily life. Their 2023 gingerbread house, inspired by San Francisco’s Victorian architecture, stands out as a favorite. Its intricacy reflects their evolving skills and dedication to detail. While time-consuming, the sisters prioritize fun, family time, and the challenge of pushing their creative boundaries. Their first creation, remarkably, remained intact and mold-free until January, a testament to their construction techniques.
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Committed to using edible ingredients, the sisters have developed ingenious methods to ensure structural integrity. Melting sugar into a caramel-like glue provides essential reinforcement beyond icing. This step, however, presents challenges due to the sugar’s high temperature and rapid drying time. The 2021 castle-inspired house proved particularly demanding due to its pointed roofs. Despite occasional setbacks, like dough warping, the sisters skillfully conceal imperfections with frosting, maintaining the flawless appearance of their creations.
Last year’s viral TikTok video showcasing their gingerbread masterpiece garnered attention from companies like Lowe’s and sparked comments from viewers admiring their craftsmanship. The sisters express excitement and pride in sharing their tradition, inspiring others to embark on similar creative endeavors. They eagerly await Abriella’s return from college to begin this year’s project, hinting at inspiration from a recent trip abroad. Looking ahead, they envision entering competitions or even developing gingerbread kits to share their designs with a wider audience. Their gingerbread houses represent not only exceptional artistry but also the enduring power of family tradition and the joy of shared creativity.
