# 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 mixed with 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together 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. Mix until the dough is smooth. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat powdered sugar with egg white (or meringue powder and water) and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set fully before handling.
08 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men centrally on a large serving board. Surround with chocolate pretzels, mini marshmallows, assorted candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and dips.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
