Save A festive and whimsical dessert platter featuring classic gingerbread man cookies, complemented by a vibrant assortment of sweet treats, dips, and fresh fruit—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This dessert board has become my go-to for holiday parties, always impressing guests with both its look and flavors.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Man Cookies: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar packed, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup molasses, 1 large egg
- Royal Icing (for decorating): 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 large egg white (or 2 tablespoons meringue powder + 2 tablespoons water), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Board Additions: 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels, 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup assorted holiday candies (gumdrops, peppermints, etc.), 1 cup fresh strawberries halved, 1 cup red and green grapes, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup caramel or chocolate dip
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3:
- Add softened butter, molasses, and egg. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men using a cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 6:
- For royal icing, beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder and water), and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate cooled cookies as desired. Let icing set.
- Step 7:
- Arrange gingerbread men in the center of a large board or platter. Artfully surround with chocolate pretzels, marshmallows, candies, fruit, white chocolate chips, and dips.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, or cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Pin it This cookie board always brings my family together, creating cherished memories each holiday season.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, rolling pin, gingerbread man cookie cutter, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack, piping bag for icing, large serving board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Some candies may contain nuts or soy; check labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 3 g
Pin it This gingerbread man cookie board is sure to brighten your celebrations with festive flavors and fun presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What spices flavor the gingerbread dough?
The dough features ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm and classic spice blend.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Royal icing is made by beating powdered sugar with egg white or meringue powder and vanilla extract until smooth enough for decorating.
- → What treats accompany the gingerbread figures on the board?
The board includes chocolate-covered pretzels, mini marshmallows, holiday candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and caramel or chocolate dips.
- → Can this dessert board be made ahead?
Yes, gingerbread men can be baked and decorated in advance, then arranged on the board just before serving.
- → Are there options for customizing the decorations?
Yes, you can add festive sprinkles, candied nuts, or color the royal icing with gel food coloring to personalize the look.