# What You Need:
→ 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 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)
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 candy canes, broken into small pieces
# Steps:
01 - Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in molasses and the egg. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out chilled dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into village shapes using cookie cutters and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
03 - Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
04 - Beat powdered sugar with egg white or aquafaba and lemon juice until smooth. Divide the icing and tint with food coloring as desired. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Use the royal icing and assorted candies to decorate the cooled gingerbread cookies, creating village houses, trees, and festive shapes. Allow icing to harden completely.
06 - Combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly blended.
07 - Arrange the gingerbread cookies, yogurt dip, chocolate hazelnut spread, and assorted sweets on a large platter or board, designing a festive village scene using pretzel sticks and marshmallows for fencing and snow, with candies for decoration.
