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.
I enjoy creating this gingerbread village every holiday season, watching family and friends delight in the colorful details and shared moments around the dessert board.
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.
- Arrange 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 to Pinterest Gathering around this dessert board has become a cherished holiday tradition in my family, creating joyful memories year after year.
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 to Pinterest This dessert board is as fun to make as it is to eat, and it brings everyone together around the holiday spirit.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the gingerbread dough?
Cream butter and brown sugar, then add molasses and egg. Combine dry ingredients separately, then mix them into the wet until combined. Chill before rolling.
- → What shapes suit this dessert board best?
Shapes like houses, trees, stars, and village-themed cutters work well to create the festive scene.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, baking and decorating the cookies one day in advance helps flavors develop and eases assembly.
- → What alternatives exist for egg-free options?
Use aquafaba instead of egg white in the royal icing to maintain texture and decorate confidently.
- → How do marshmallows and pretzels contribute?
Marshmallows mimic snow, while pretzel sticks create fencing, adding visual interest and texture to the board.
- → What drinks pair well with this spread?
Hot chocolate or spiced tea complement the warm spices and sweetness, enhancing the festive experience.