A festive spread of gingerbread cookies, dips, candies, and treats arranged as a charming holiday village.
# 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 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 pieces
# How to Make It:
01 - Cream softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground 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. Roll chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters shaped like houses, trees, and stars to cut shapes. Arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
03 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm and set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on wire racks.
04 - Mix powdered sugar, egg white (or aquafaba), and lemon juice until smooth. Optionally divide and tint with food coloring. Transfer icing to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Using royal icing and assorted candies, decorate cooled gingerbread cookies to resemble village houses and trees. Allow icing to set fully before assembling display.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until homogenous.
07 - Arrange gingerbread houses, yogurt dip, and assorted sweets on a large platter, creating a festive village scene. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows to mimic fencing and snow, and candies for added decoration.
