Celebrate holidays with a vibrant board of gingerbread men, candies, dips, and fresh fruit.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Man Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1 tbsp ground ginger
04 - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cloves
06 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup molasses
10 - 1 large egg
→ Royal Icing (for decorating)
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1 large egg white or 2 tbsp meringue powder + 2 tbsp water
13 - 1/2 tsp 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
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Combine flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to dry mixture. Mix until smooth dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, chill 30 minutes.
04 - Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut gingerbread men with cookie cutter and place on sheets.
05 - Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks to cool fully.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder and water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Fill piping bag.
07 - Pipe icing onto cooled cookies as desired. Let icing set completely.
08 - Arrange gingerbread men on a large board. Surround with pretzels, marshmallows, candies, fruit, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Offer immediately or cover loosely and keep at room temperature up to 24 hours.
