Charming holiday spread with gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative sweets for festive gatherings.
# What You 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 (egg-free alternative)
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 broken candy canes
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until combined. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into village shapes with cookie cutters and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges set. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Transfer to piping bags.
05 - Use royal icing and candies to decorate cooled cookies as village houses and trees. Allow icing to set before handling.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
07 - Arrange gingerbread cookies, yogurt dip, chocolate hazelnut spread, and assorted sweets on a large board to create a festive village scene using pretzel sticks and marshmallows for fencing and snow.
