Save A whimsical, festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village.
This dessert board has become my favorite way to celebrate the holidays, with family members enjoying decorating and indulging together.
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 cookies:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Make 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 yogurt dip:
- Mix yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble dessert board:
- 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 recipe always brings the family together as we decorate and share stories while assembling the dessert board.
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 (per serving)
Pin it This dessert board adds a magical touch to any holiday gathering and is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the gingerbread cookies more tender?
Use softened butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Letting dough chill before rolling helps maintain texture.
- → What alternatives exist for the royal icing egg white?
Aquafaba is an excellent egg-free substitute that whips similarly for a smooth icing.
- → How do I keep candies and decorations from melting on the cookies?
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before decorating and apply icing to act as adhesive to hold decorations in place.
- → Can I prepare elements of the board in advance?
Baking and decorating the gingerbread cookies a day ahead allows flavors to meld and eases assembly on the event day.
- → What can I serve alongside this spread for added warmth?
Pairing with hot chocolate or spiced tea complements the spices and enhances the festive atmosphere.