A festive platter showcasing gingerbread men, sweets, dips, and fresh fruit for joyful gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ 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 (for decorating)
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 2 tablespoons 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 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to the dry mixture and blend until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape cookies and place them on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
06 - Combine powdered sugar with egg white (or meringue powder and water) and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, then transfer icing to a piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set before assembling the platter.
08 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men in the center of a large serving board. Surround with chocolate-covered pretzels, mini marshmallows, assorted candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
