Save to Pinterest 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 been a favorite at our family gatherings, sparking joy and creativity as everyone decorates and enjoys the gingerbread village 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.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dessert board became a cherished family moment during the holidays, bringing everyone together to create and enjoy.
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)
Save to Pinterest This gingerbread village board is the perfect festive centerpiece, combining creativity with delicious holiday flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep gingerbread cookies soft for decorating?
Ensure cookies are properly cooled before decorating and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
- → Can I make the royal icing without eggs?
Yes, replace the egg white with aquafaba to achieve a smooth, vegan-friendly icing suitable for decorating.
- → What are good substitutes for the molasses in the dough?
Use dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey as alternatives to molasses for a similar rich sweetness and texture.
- → How can I create the village shapes easily?
Use cookie cutters shaped like houses, trees, stars, and other festive forms to create charming pieces that assemble into a village scene.
- → What can I use to add texture and color to the board?
Include marshmallows, gumdrops, chocolate buttons, peppermint candies, pretzel sticks, and candy canes for visual interest and festive texture.
- → How long should the dips be chilled before serving?
Chill the spiced yogurt and chocolate hazelnut spreads for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled.