Festive platter combining gingerbread men, sweets, dips, and fresh fruit perfect for holiday gatherings.
# What's Needed:
→ 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 tbsp meringue powder plus 2 tbsp 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
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to dry mixture. Mix until smooth dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll dough onto floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder and water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies as desired and allow icing to set fully.
08 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men centrally on a large serving board. Surround with chocolate pretzels, marshmallows, candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
