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Gingerbread Cookies Christmas Platter – Easy Cozy Display Ideas

gingerbread cookies Christmas platter - featured image

This festive gingerbread cookies Christmas platter features classic, chewy gingerbread men and shapes, decorated with royal icing and sprinkles for a cozy, nostalgic holiday treat. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, and creating Pinterest-worthy displays with simple ingredients and easy techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)
  • Royal icing (homemade or store-bought)
  • Assorted sprinkles (red, green, white, gold)
  • Mini candy pearls or edible glitter
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional, for faces or buttons)
  • Cranberry bits (optional)
  • Crushed peppermint candies (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Beat in egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using) until fully combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters, flouring cutters for clean edges.
  8. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are firm and centers are slightly soft.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
  10. Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies. Add sprinkles, candy pearls, or edible glitter while icing is wet.
  11. Arrange cookies on a large platter or board. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and dust with powdered sugar.
  12. Serve and enjoy your festive gingerbread cookies Christmas platter!

Notes

Chill dough for best shape and flavor. For gluten-free or vegan options, substitute flour and egg as needed. Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles for a festive look. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and store with a slice of bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, Christmas platter, holiday cookies, festive dessert, gingerbread men, royal icing, Christmas baking, cookie display, easy gingerbread, holiday treats