A festive board with gingerbread, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged as a holiday village.
# Components:
→ 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 tsp ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cloves
09 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1 tsp baking soda
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 large egg white or 2 tbsp aquafaba for egg-free option
14 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Dips & Spreads
16 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt
17 - 2 tbsp honey
18 - 1/2 tsp 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
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut desired village shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely before decorating.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or aquafaba), and lemon juice until smooth. Optionally divide and add food coloring. Transfer icing to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies to create village houses and trees. Adorn with candies and allow icing to set fully.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until homogeneous.
07 - Arrange decorated cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large board or platter. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows to simulate fencing and snow. Garnish creatively with candies to evoke a holiday village scene.
