Save A festive and interactive holiday platter featuring gingerbread house pieces, assorted candies, and decorative sweets for building and enjoying your own edible gingerbread creations.
This recipe brings my family together every holiday season as we build edible gingerbread houses and create lasting memories.
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.
- Bake gingerbread pieces:
- 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 components:
- 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.
- Assemble gingerbread houses:
- Invite guests to assemble and decorate their own mini gingerbread houses using the provided pieces, icing, and candies.
- Add finishing touches:
- 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!
Save This board has become a cherished family tradition bringing joy and creativity to every holiday gathering.
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
Calories: 420 per serving. Total Fat: 8 g. Carbohydrates: 85 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Assembling your gingerbread house board is a delightful way to celebrate the season and spark your creativity.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread dough?
The dough includes ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, offering a warm and festive flavor profile.
- → How is the gingerbread dough prepared and baked?
The dough is mixed from butter, brown sugar, molasses, spices, flour, and other ingredients, chilled, rolled out, cut into panels, and baked until firm at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- → What ingredients make up the royal icing?
Royal icing is created by beating egg whites with cream of tartar, then gradually adding powdered sugar, yielding a stiff, pipeable consistency used as edible glue.
- → Can the royal icing be made egg-free?
Yes, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg whites to accommodate egg-free diets while maintaining similar icing texture.
- → What decorative elements accompany the gingerbread pieces?
The board features mini marshmallows, gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, peppermint candies, jelly beans, pretzel sticks, sprinkles, edible glitter, shredded coconut, and optional fresh berries.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftover gingerbread pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.