Save A festive and interactive holiday platter featuring gingerbread house pieces, assorted candies, and decorative sweets for building and enjoying your own edible gingerbread creations.
This platter has become a yearly tradition in my family, sparking creativity and joy during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread House Pieces: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (225 g) molasses, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
- Royal Icing (for glue): 2 large egg whites, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- Decorations & Candy: 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1 cup assorted gumdrops, 1 cup candy canes, crushed or mini whole, 1 cup chocolate buttons or M&Ms, 1 cup peppermint candies, 1 cup jelly beans, 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, Assorted sprinkles, Edible glitter (optional)
- Extras: 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for snow effect), 1 cup fresh berries (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Prepare the gingerbread dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Bake gingerbread pieces:
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Roll dough to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Using templates or cookie cutters, cut out gingerbread house panels (walls, roofs, doors) and transfer to lined baking sheets. Bake 12–15 minutes until firm. Let cool completely.
- Make the royal icing:
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Arrange platter:
- Arrange all gingerbread pieces, candies, and decorations on a large board or platter. Place bowls of icing for glue and small spatulas or piping bags nearby.
- Invite guests to assemble:
- Invite guests to assemble and decorate their own mini gingerbread houses using the provided pieces, icing, and candies.
- Add finishing touches:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the board for a snowy effect. Add berries for fresh color, if using.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy as a festive centerpiece and delicious treat!
Save This project is perfect for bringing family together, creating lasting memories as everyone decorates their own gingerbread house.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Rolling pin, Gingerbread house templates or cookie cutters, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Piping bags or small spatulas, Large serving board or platter, Small bowls for candies
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter). Some candies may contain nuts or soy always check packaging. For severe allergies ensure all ingredients are certified allergen-free.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 85 g, Protein 4 g
Save This festive board is sure to impress guests and add magic to your holiday gatherings.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What ingredients make the gingerbread dough?
The dough contains all-purpose flour, brown sugar, unsalted butter, molasses, egg, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth, tacky icing.
- → Can I substitute egg whites in the icing?
Yes, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg whites for an egg-free alternative while still achieving good consistency.
- → How do I create a snowy effect on the board?
Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the assembled board to mimic snow, enhancing the festive presentation.
- → What candies are suggested for decorating?
Use mini marshmallows, gumdrops, crushed candy canes, chocolate buttons or M&Ms, peppermint candies, jelly beans, pretzel sticks, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
- → How long does it take to prepare and bake the gingerbread pieces?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and baking the gingerbread panels requires 20 minutes, for a total of roughly 50 minutes.