A festive spread with gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, and assorted sweets styled as a 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 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 Steps:
01 - Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes such as houses, trees, or stars using cookie cutters and place onto 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. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Transfer icing to piping bags.
05 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies, creating village houses and trees. Adorn with candy decorations and allow icing to set.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
07 - Arrange gingerbread cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large serving platter. Use pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows to create fences and snow effects. Add candies for embellishments to evoke a holiday village scene.
