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 centerpiece to delight guests and family alike every year, bringing fun and festivity 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 and cut shapes:
- 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 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 This dessert board has brought us many joyful family moments especially during the holiday season creating sweet memories around crafting and sharing treats.
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 is a festive showstopper sure to impress guests and create lasting holiday memories.
Recipe Guide
- → What spices are included in the gingerbread dough?
The dough features ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → Can I make this spread suitable for vegans?
Yes, by substituting the egg white with aquafaba in the icing and using dairy-free yogurt and spreads.
- → How should I store leftover components?
Store decorated cookies and dips separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- → What alternatives work if I’m short on time for baking?
Pre-made gingerbread or shortbread cutouts can be used and decorated similarly to save time.
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors in the royal icing?
Use gel-based food coloring for more intense hues without altering icing consistency.