Save A whimsical, festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village.
This recipe brings the joy of holiday baking and decorating into a fun shared experience perfect for family and friends.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Cookies: 3 cups (375 g) all purpose flour 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (125 ml) molasses 1 large egg 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt
- Royal Icing: 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar 1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp aquafaba for egg free) 1/2 tsp lemon juice Food coloring (optional)
- Dips & Spreads: 1 cup (240 g) vanilla yogurt 2 tbsp honey 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup (120 g) chocolate hazelnut spread
- Assorted Sweets & Decorations: 1 cup (100 g) mini marshmallows 1/2 cup (50 g) assorted gumdrops 1/2 cup (50 g) chocolate buttons or coins 1/2 cup (50 g) peppermint candies 1/2 cup (50 g) pretzel sticks 1/2 cup (50 g) candy canes, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the gingerbread dough:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into house, tree, star, or village shapes using cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Make the royal icing:
- Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or aquafaba), and lemon juice until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Transfer to piping bags.
- Decorate cookies:
- Decorate cooled cookies as village houses and trees using icing and candies. Let icing set.
- Prepare the yogurt dip:
- Mix yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble:
- Arrange gingerbread cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large board or platter, building a festive village scene. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows for fencing and snow, and candies for decorations.
Pin it This dessert board always creates a magical family moment filled with laughter and creativity.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Cookie cutters (village shapes) Baking sheets Cooling rack Parchment paper Piping bags
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, dairy, and nuts (if using chocolate hazelnut spread). For egg free, use aquafaba in royal icing. For nut free, choose chocolate spread without nuts. Always check labels on candies for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 68 g Protein: 5 g
Pin it Enjoy this sweet board as a cheerful centerpiece that delights both eyes and taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep gingerbread cookies soft?
Store cookies in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain softness. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps retain moisture.
- → Can I make the royal icing egg-free?
Yes, replace egg white with aquafaba for a vegan-friendly royal icing that still sets firmly for decorating.
- → What are some decorative ideas for the gingerbread shapes?
Use colorful icing, candy buttons, gumdrops, and crushed peppermint to add festive details like windows, roofs, and snow effects.
- → How should I arrange the board for best visual impact?
Place gingerbread houses centrally, use dips as ‘ponds,’ and arrange marshmallows and pretzels as snowy fences and pathways for a lively village scene.
- → Can I prepare parts of this in advance?
Yes, bake cookies a day ahead to allow decorating time. Dips and icing can be prepared a few hours before assembly.
- → Are there suggestions for pairing beverages?
Hot chocolate or spiced tea complements the spices and sweetness, enhancing the festive flavor profile.