A whimsical holiday platter of spiced gingerbread men, assorted sweets, dips, and fresh fruit arranged beautifully.
# What You'll 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
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder plus 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 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add softened unsalted butter, molasses, and egg to the dry mixture; mix until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using a gingerbread man cookie cutter and arrange on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder with water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag for decorating.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled gingerbread men as desired. Allow icing to set before assembling the board.
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 store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
