Pin 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 has become a beloved holiday tradition in our family, bringing everyone together to create and enjoy their own gingerbread houses.
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 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 and decorate:
- 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!
Pin Gathering around the board to build gingerbread houses has created wonderful family memories over the years.
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
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 85 g, Protein 4 g
Pin This gingerbread house board is sure to bring joy and festive spirit to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Questions
- → How long does it take to prepare the gingerbread pieces?
Prepare the dough, chill for at least 1 hour, and bake the gingerbread panels for 12–15 minutes until firm and cooled before arranging.
- → What ingredients give the gingerbread its spiced flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves provide the warm, classic gingerbread spice profile in the dough.
- → How is the royal icing made and used?
Royal icing is made by beating egg whites and cream of tartar, then adding powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. It acts as a glue to hold the gingerbread pieces together.
- → Can this board accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes, egg-free royal icing can be made using aquafaba, and gluten-free flour blends can substitute for all-purpose flour if needed.
- → What decorations are included for assembling the gingerbread structures?
Assorted candies such as gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, and sprinkles along with shredded coconut for snow and optional fresh berries offer colorful decoration options.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftover gingerbread pieces in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.