Whimsical spread featuring spiced cookies, creamy dips, and assorted sweets arranged as a festive village scene.
# Ingredient List:
→ Gingerbread Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/2 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons aquafaba (egg-free alternative)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
15 - Food coloring, optional
→ Dips & Spreads
16 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt
17 - 2 tablespoons honey
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
→ Assorted Sweets & Decorations
20 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
21 - 1/2 cup assorted gumdrops
22 - 1/2 cup chocolate buttons or coins
23 - 1/2 cup peppermint candies
24 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
25 - 1/2 cup broken candy canes
# Directions:
01 - Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into village-themed shapes using cookie cutters. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges set. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired. Fill piping bags with icing.
05 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies to create village houses and trees. Use candies for additional decorations. Allow icing to set completely.
06 - Mix vanilla yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined.
07 - Arrange gingerbread houses, dips, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, and assorted sweets on a large serving board to simulate a holiday village scene.
