A festive spread featuring spiced gingerbread, creamy dips, and assorted holiday sweets arranged on a board.
# 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 for egg-free)
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 until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining thoroughly. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into village-themed shapes with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or aquafaba), and lemon juice until smooth and stiff peaks form. Divide and color as desired, then transfer to piping bags.
05 - Use royal icing and assorted candies to decorate cooled cookies, creating village houses and trees. Allow icing to set thoroughly.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
07 - Arrange gingerbread cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large platter to resemble a festive village. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows to mimic fencing and snow, and garnish with candies for decoration.
