Festive gingerbread board with spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats inspired by a holiday village scene.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/2 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons aquafaba (egg-free option)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Dips & Spreads
16 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt
17 - 2 tablespoons honey
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
→ Assorted Sweets & Decorations
20 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
21 - 1/2 cup assorted gumdrops
22 - 1/2 cup chocolate buttons or coins
23 - 1/2 cup peppermint candies
24 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
25 - 1/2 cup candy canes, broken into small pieces
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until combined. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into house, tree, star, or village shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice until smooth and glossy. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Transfer icing to piping bags.
05 - Use royal icing and candies to decorate cooled cookies as village houses and trees. Allow icing to set fully before handling.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
07 - Arrange gingerbread cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large board or platter, creating a festive village scene. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows as fencing and snow, and candies as decorations.
