# Components:
→ Gingerbread Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/2 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons aquafaba
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Dips & Spreads
16 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt
17 - 2 tablespoons honey
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
→ Assorted Sweets & Decorations
20 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
21 - 1/2 cup assorted gumdrops
22 - 1/2 cup chocolate buttons or coins
23 - 1/2 cup peppermint candies
24 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
25 - 1/2 cup candy canes, broken into small pieces
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until fully incorporated. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes like houses, trees, stars, or village figures using cookie cutters. Arrange cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake shaped dough for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove and cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice together until smooth. Separate and tint with food coloring as desired. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Use royal icing and assorted candies to decorate cooled cookies as houses and trees, creating a festive village scene. Allow icing to set thoroughly.
06 - In a small bowl, mix vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon until combined.
07 - Arrange decorated gingerbread cookies, yogurt dip, chocolate hazelnut spread, and assorted sweets on a large platter. Use pretzel sticks and marshmallows for fencing and snow effects, and candies for additional decoration.
