Save A whimsical festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies spiced dips candies and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village
This dessert board has become a holiday tradition in our family bringing joy and creativity to our celebrations
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 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 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
- Prepare yogurt dip:
- Mix yogurt honey and cinnamon in a small bowl
- Assemble dessert 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 Sharing this dessert board has created warm family memories each holiday season filled with 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 dessert board is perfect for creating a festive holiday atmosphere and bringing everyone together
Recipe FAQ
- → How is the gingerbread dough prepared?
The dough is made by creaming softened butter and brown sugar, then mixing in molasses and egg. Dry ingredients including flour and spices are folded in before chilling for 30 minutes to firm up.
- → What shapes are used for the gingerbread pieces?
Cookie cutters in shapes like houses, trees, stars, and village elements create the whimsical gingerbread forms for the board.
- → How is the royal icing made and used?
Royal icing combines powdered sugar with egg white or aquafaba and lemon juice to a smooth consistency. It's tinted with food coloring if desired and piped onto cooled cookies for decoration.
- → What kinds of dips accompany the spread?
Spiced vanilla yogurt with honey and cinnamon, along with chocolate hazelnut spread, complement the gingerbread and sweets on the board.
- → How do candies and sweets enhance the display?
Mini marshmallows, gumdrops, peppermint candies, pretzel sticks, and candy canes add color, texture, and festive detail resembling snow, fencing, and village decorations.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, gingerbread cookies can be baked and decorated a day in advance, allowing flavors to mature and easing final assembly.