A charming spread featuring gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, marshmallows, and candy decorations.
# What you'll 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 for egg-free
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
# Method:
01 - Cream the softened butter and brown sugar 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, mixing to combine. Divide dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely on wire racks.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice until smooth. Optionally divide and tint with food coloring. Transfer icing to piping bags.
05 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies to create village houses and trees. Adorn with candies as decorations. Allow icing to set fully.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring to blend.
07 - Arrange cookies, dips, and assorted sweets on a large platter. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows to create fencing and snow effects. Decorate to resemble a holiday village.
