A vibrant holiday platter with classic gingerbread men, candies, fruit, and decadent dips for joyful 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
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
04 - On a floured surface, roll each dough disk to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them spaced on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges feel firm. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder and water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate cooled cookies. Allow icing to set completely.
07 - 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 for an inviting display.
08 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and store at room temperature up to 24 hours.
