Save A whimsical, festive dessert board featuring homemade gingerbread cookies, spiced dips, candies, and decorative treats arranged to resemble a charming holiday village.
I've enjoyed creating this gingerbread village spread with family every year, making decorating a fun holiday tradition.
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 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.
- Arrange 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 My family loves gathering around this board, decorating cookies while sharing stories and holiday cheer.
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
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 68 g, Protein 5 g
Save This gingerbread village board is sure to bring festive joy to your holiday celebrations with its charming look and delicious flavors.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I keep gingerbread cookies from spreading while baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling helps maintain shape. Use a lightly floured surface and avoid over-handling the dough.
- → Can I make the royal icing egg-free?
Yes, substitute egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea water) for a vegan-friendly alternative that pipes and dries well.
- → What are good alternatives for decorating if candies aren’t available?
Use dried fruit pieces, chopped nuts (if no allergies), or colored sugar sprinkles to add color and texture.
- → How should I store the decorated gingerbread to keep it fresh?
Store decorated gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity to prevent softening.
- → What ingredients add warmth to the gingerbread flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg contribute to the cozy, spiced profile of the dough.