Enjoy a colorful holiday board with gingerbread men, candies, dips, and fresh fruits, perfect for festive celebrations.
# 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 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
# Method steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Add softened unsalted butter, molasses, and large egg to dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are firm. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixed with water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled gingerbread men as desired. Allow icing to set completely before serving or arranging.
08 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men centrally on a large serving board. Surround with chocolate-covered pretzels, mini marshmallows, assorted candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
