Save to Pinterest 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 my family; we love decorating and sharing it together.
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.
- 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 to Pinterest Our family gathers every year around this board sharing laughs decorating cookies and enjoying festive 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
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This gingerbread village dessert board is perfect for holiday gatherings and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread dough?
The gingerbread dough includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → How can I make the royal icing egg-free?
Replace the egg white with 2 tablespoons of aquafaba for an egg-free royal icing option.
- → What decorations are used on the board?
The board features mini marshmallows, gumdrops, chocolate candies, peppermint pieces, pretzel sticks, and broken candy canes for festive decoration.
- → How should the gingerbread cookies be shaped?
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into house, tree, star, or village shapes using cookie cutters for a charming layout.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, baking the cookies a day ahead allows ample time for decorating and assembling the board on the day of serving.