Whimsical holiday board featuring gingerbread men, candies, fruit, and dips for festive gatherings.
# Components:
→ Gingerbread Man Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
04 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup molasses
10 - 1 large egg
→ Royal Icing
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Board Additions
14 - 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
15 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
16 - 1/2 cup assorted holiday candies (gumdrops, peppermints, etc.)
17 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
18 - 1 cup red and green grapes
19 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
20 - 1/2 cup caramel or chocolate dip
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Incorporate softened butter, molasses, and egg into dry mixture. Mix until smooth dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cutter to cut shapes. Place on prepared sheets.
05 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixture), and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set fully.
08 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men centrally on large board. Surround with chocolate pretzels, marshmallows, assorted candies, fresh fruit, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and keep at room temperature up to 24 hours.
