Pin 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 love setting this up for my family every holiday season; it brings everyone together to create and share joyful moments while enjoying tasty sweets.
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 oven:
- 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 pieces and decorations:
- 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 snowy effect and color:
- 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!
Pin This recipe has become a holiday tradition for my family, making celebrations more memorable and sweet.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 85 g, Protein: 4 g
Pin With just a little prep, this gingerbread house board will bring festive joy and sweet memories to any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long does it take to prepare the gingerbread pieces?
Preparation and baking take around 50 minutes, including chilling dough and baking the gingerbread panels until firm and flavorful.
- → What is the purpose of royal icing in this board?
Royal icing acts as a glue to hold the gingerbread pieces together while decorating, adding stability and a sweet finish.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, use aquafaba instead of egg whites for egg-free icing and a gluten-free flour blend for gluten sensitivity.
- → How should leftover gingerbread pieces be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → What decorations are included for building the houses?
The board features a variety of candies like marshmallows, gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, peppermint candies, jelly beans, pretzel sticks, sprinkles, and optional edible glitter.
- → Can this board be paired with drinks?
Pair it with warm beverages like hot chocolate, mulled wine, or spiced cider to enhance the festive experience.