Save A whimsical, festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village.
This board has become my go-to holiday dessert, bringing joy to family and friends every season.
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.
- Arrange 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 Gathering to decorate and assemble the village has become a cherished family tradition full of laughter and creativity.
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 This gingerbread village board adds magic to any holiday celebration and is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep gingerbread cookies soft for the spread?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside helps maintain moisture over time.
- → Can I use an egg-free alternative for the royal icing?
Yes, aquafaba works well as a substitute for egg whites to create smooth, pipeable icing.
- → What is the best way to decorate the gingerbread pieces?
Use royal icing tinted with food coloring, piping fine details on cooled cookies and adding candies before the icing sets for secure adhesion.
- → How can I arrange the board for a festive village look?
Place cookies as houses and trees in clusters, use marshmallows as snow, pretzel sticks as fences, and candies for colorful accents.
- → What dips complement the gingerbread on the board?
Vanilla yogurt mixed with honey and cinnamon, along with chocolate hazelnut spread, add creamy, spiced flavors that pair well.