Gingerbread Train Buffet Recipe

Gingerbread:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, molasses, water, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Melt over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the butter until completely melted and the mixture is glossy. Let cool completely.

3. Add the flour and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed to combine for 30 seconds. Pour in the wet ingredients and mix for about 2 minutes until the dough comes together.

4. Remove the dough from the bowl and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thick. Cut out the shapes from the template. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets.

7. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, until the shapes are stiff to the touch. Let the shapes cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Royal Icing:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on medium-low speed for 1 minute, until no lumps remain and the mixture is shiny and glossy.

2. Transfer ¼ of the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. This will be the icing to decorate the outside of the train.

3. Add the brown food coloring to the remaining icing in the mixer and mix until homogenous in color.

4. Using the brown icing, assemble the train pieces according to the template. Let dry for at least 2 hours.

5. Once all 5 pieces of the train have dried, use the white icing to decorate the train as desired. Let the icing set until hardened.

6. Gently slide decorated gingerbread pieces over the cars of the mechanical train and place on the track.

7. Fill the cargo cars with gumdrops, peppermints, and truffles. Enjoy!