Save to Pinterest A festive and interactive holiday platter featuring gingerbread house pieces, assorted candies, and decorative sweets for building and enjoying your own edible gingerbread creations.
I first assembled this gingerbread house board last holiday season and it quickly became the centerpiece of our celebration, sparking joy and laughter.
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.
- Preheat and cut:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 and decorate:
- 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 to Pinterest My family gathers every year around this board creating memories while building and decorating our gingerbread houses together.
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
Calories 420 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 85 g Protein 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this festive gingerbread house board as a centerpiece and sweet tradition for your holiday celebrations
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread dough?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves provide warm, festive flavors to the spiced dough.
- → How is the gingerbread dough prepared before baking?
The dough is creamed with butter and sugar, combined with molasses and egg, then mixed with dry ingredients and chilled before rolling out.
- → What ingredients make up the royal icing?
Egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar are whipped to create a stiff, sticky icing for assembling pieces.
- → Can decorations be customized on the board?
Yes, an assortment of marshmallows, gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, and sprinkles are provided for creative decorating.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover gingerbread pieces in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Are there allergen considerations for this dish?
This dish contains wheat, eggs, and milk; some candies may have nuts or soy, so packaging should be checked carefully.