Pin it A whimsical, festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village.
Preparation Time 40 minutes Cooking Time 15 minutes Total Time 55 minutes (plus cooling and decorating time)
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:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Make the 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.
- Make the yogurt dip:
- Mix yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Assemble the 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 dessert board always brings the family together during the holidays, sparking joy and creativity in decorating.
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 festive dessert board is sure to impress guests and create lasting holiday memories.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make gingerbread dough for shapes?
Cream butter and brown sugar, then mix in molasses and egg. Gradually add dry ingredients including flour and spices, chill the dough before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
- → What tips help decorate the gingerbread pieces?
Use royal icing made with powdered sugar and egg white for smooth, detailed decoration. Allow icing to set between layers and add colorful candies for festive effects.
- → Can I adapt the icing for egg-free diets?
Yes, replace egg white with aquafaba to create royal icing suitable for egg-free needs without compromising texture.
- → How should I arrange the board for best presentation?
Arrange decorated gingerbread houses and trees centrally, surround with spiced dips and assorted sweets, and use pretzel sticks and marshmallows for decorative fences and snow effects.
- → What storage advice ensures freshness?
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare some elements a day ahead to allow flavors to develop and maintain texture.