A holiday platter featuring gingerbread panels, candies, and icing for fun, edible decorating moments.
# What's Needed:
→ Gingerbread House Pieces
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 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 baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
11 - 2 large egg whites
12 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
→ Decorations & Candy
14 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
15 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
16 - 1 cup candy canes, crushed or mini whole
17 - 1 cup chocolate buttons or M&Ms
18 - 1 cup peppermint candies
19 - 1 cup jelly beans
20 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
21 - Assorted sprinkles
22 - Edible glitter (optional)
→ Extras
23 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for snow effect)
24 - 1 cup fresh berries (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet, mixing until a uniform dough forms. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Using templates or cutters, shape walls, roofs, and doors. Transfer pieces onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until firm. Cool completely before assembling.
03 - Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Transfer icing to piping bag for assembly.
04 - Place all gingerbread pieces, candies, and decorations neatly on a large platter or board. Set out bowls of royal icing with piping bags or spatulas nearby for easy access.
05 - Invite guests to build their own gingerbread structures using the provided pieces, icing, and candies. Encourage creativity and festive decoration.
06 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the board to mimic snow. Add fresh berries for color contrast if desired.
07 - Display the decorated gingerbread houses as a centerpiece and enjoy as a seasonal treat with friends and family.
