Holiday platter with gingerbread men, assorted sweet treats, dips, and fresh fruit, perfect for celebrations.
# Components:
→ 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 mixed with 2 tablespoons water
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Board Accompaniments
14 - 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
15 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
16 - 1/2 cup assorted holiday candies
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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to the dry mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using a gingerbread man cutter. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are firm. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixture), and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate cooled cookies. Allow icing to set.
07 - Arrange decorated gingerbread men in the center of a large serving board. Surround with pretzels, marshmallows, candies, fresh fruit, white chocolate chips, and dips.
08 - Serve immediately, or cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
