# What to Use:
→ 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 ground 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 candy canes, broken into small pieces
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Divide dough in half, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters shaped as houses, trees, stars, or village elements, cut out shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on wire racks.
04 - In a bowl, beat powdered sugar with egg white or aquafaba and lemon juice until smooth and glossy. Divide into portions and tint with food coloring if desired. Transfer icing to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Use royal icing and assorted candies to decorate the cooled gingerbread shapes, forming village houses, trees, and other features. Allow icing to set completely before assembly.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl; mix until smooth.
07 - Arrange decorated gingerbread cookies, yogurt dip, chocolate hazelnut spread, and assorted sweets on a large serving platter. Use pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows to create fencing and snow effects, and decorate with candies to mimic a festive holiday village scene.
