# Ingredient List:
→ 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 Additions
14 - 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
15 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
16 - 1/2 cup assorted holiday candies (gumdrops, peppermints, etc.)
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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly incorporated.
03 - Add softened butter, molasses, and egg to the dry ingredients; mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into two halves, flatten each into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
06 - Beat powdered sugar with egg white (or meringue powder mixture) and vanilla extract until smooth and pipeable. Fill a piping bag with the icing for decoration.
07 - Pipe royal icing onto the cooled gingerbread men as desired. Allow the icing to set before further handling.
08 - Place decorated gingerbread men in the center of a large serving board or platter. Surround with chocolate-covered pretzels, mini marshmallows, assorted candies, fresh strawberries, grapes, white chocolate chips, and dips arranged attractively.
09 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
