Save to Pinterest 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 has become a holiday tradition in my family where everyone gets creative building 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 panels:
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). 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 ingredients:
- 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!
Save to Pinterest Gathering around to build gingerbread houses brings all ages together for a joyful holiday moment.
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 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 85 g Protein: 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Ready your ingredients and have fun creating edible holiday magic with this festive gingerbread house board!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long does it take to prepare the gingerbread pieces?
Preparation involves mixing the dough, chilling it for at least an hour, then rolling and baking the panels for about 12-15 minutes until firm and cool.
- → What ingredients create the gingerbread flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves blend with molasses and brown sugar to give the dough its classic holiday spice and deep flavor.
- → How is the royal icing made for assembling?
Egg whites are whipped with cream of tartar, then powdered sugar is gradually added until stiff peaks form, creating a strong edible glue.
- → Can the icing be made egg-free?
Yes, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg whites to make a vegan-friendly royal icing alternative.
- → What candies are included for decorating?
Mini marshmallows, gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, peppermint candies, jelly beans, pretzel sticks, assorted sprinkles, and edible glitter provide colorful decoration options.
- → How should leftover pieces be stored?
Store leftover gingerbread panels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.