Pin It A festive and interactive holiday platter featuring gingerbread house pieces, assorted candies, and decorative sweets for building and enjoying your own edible gingerbread creations.
I have always enjoyed gathering family and friends around this gingerbread house board, as it turns dessert time into a memorable creative experience.
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 and decorate:
- 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.
- Invite guests to assemble:
- 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!
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Our family loves gathering around this board during the holidays, making memories as everyone decorates their mini houses.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 per serving; Total Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 85 g; Protein: 4 g
Pin It 
This gingerbread house board will add festive fun and flavor to your holiday celebrations every year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the gingerbread pieces sturdy?
Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and bake 12–15 minutes until firm but not overbaked to ensure sturdy panels for assembly.
- → What can I use instead of eggs in royal icing?
Aquafaba, the liquid from chickpeas, can replace egg whites to create egg-free royal icing with similar texture and stiffness.
- → How can I keep the board fresh for longer?
Store leftover gingerbread pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- → What candies work best for decorating?
Mini marshmallows, gumdrops, crushed candy canes, chocolate buttons, peppermint candies, jelly beans, and sprinkles add variety and color.
- → Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- → How to add a snowy effect to the board?
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the assembled board to mimic fresh snow and enhance the holiday look.