# What You'll 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 tsp ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cloves
09 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1 tsp baking soda
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp aquafaba for egg-free)
14 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice
15 - Food coloring (optional)
→ Dips & Spreads
16 - 1 cup vanilla yogurt
17 - 2 tbsp honey
18 - 1/2 tsp 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 to Follow:
01 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into village-themed shapes such as houses, trees, and stars using cookie cutters. Arrange the shapes on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
03 - Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and firm. Remove from the oven and cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
04 - Beat powdered sugar, egg white or aquafaba, and lemon juice together until smooth and glossy. Divide and tint the icing with food coloring if desired. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.
05 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled gingerbread shapes to create village houses and trees. Use assorted candies to embellish. Allow the icing to set completely.
06 - In a small bowl, combine vanilla yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend flavors.
07 - Arrange decorated gingerbread cookies, prepared dips, and assorted sweets on a large serving board or platter. Build a festive village scene using pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows for fencing and snow, and candies for decorative accents.
