2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter cut into 1-inch pieces, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
8 ounces (about 1 2/3 cups) confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup meringue powder
Food coloring, as desired
8 gumdrops
6 cups milk
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
7 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, chopped
Whipped cream, for serving
Mini marshmallows, for serving
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)