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.
I treasure how this platter brings family and friends together, sparking creativity and joy each 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 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°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 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 board:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- 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 platter always sparks joyful family moments filled with laughter and creativity while building edible 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 Create lasting holiday memories with this fun and delicious gingerbread house board that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe Guide
- → How do you prepare the gingerbread panels?
The dough is made by combining flour, spices, butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg. After chilling, it's rolled and cut into house shapes before baking until firm.
- → What is used to assemble the gingerbread pieces?
A royal icing made from egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar serves as an edible glue for building the gingerbread structures.
- → Can the royal icing be made egg-free?
Yes, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg whites to create an egg-free version of the royal icing.
- → How is the platter decorated for a festive look?
The board is adorned with assorted candies like gumdrops, candy canes, and chocolate buttons, with shredded coconut for snow and optional fresh berries for color.
- → What tools are recommended for assembling the gingerbread houses?
Rolling pin, cutters or templates, piping bags or small spatulas for icing, and a large board or platter provide an easy assembly setup.
- → How long does preparation and baking take?
Preparing the dough takes about 30 minutes, and baking the gingerbread pieces requires 20 minutes, totaling approximately 50 minutes.