There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? I mean, when you gather around with family and friends, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food, it feels like the spirit of Christmas really comes alive. One of my absolute favorite traditions is creating a Christmas dessert platter! It’s like a sweet celebration on a plate, filled with all kinds of festive treats that bring everyone together.
Every year, I remember my grandmother would whip up the most delightful assortment of cookies and candies, and we’d all help arrange them into a beautiful display. The joy in her eyes as she watched us indulge was priceless. Trust me, presenting a Christmas dessert platter not only looks stunning but also adds a cozy, inviting feel to any gathering. It’s perfect for parties or simply enjoying with your loved ones after a hearty meal. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite treats!
This year, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for this festive platter. It’s packed with gingerbread cookies, chocolates, and so many other delightful goodies that will have everyone reaching for just one more piece. So, grab your favorite holiday treats, and let’s make some memories together!
Ingredients List
When it comes to creating the perfect Christmas dessert platter, having the right ingredients is key! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this festive delight to life:
- 1 pound gingerbread cookies: You can either make them from scratch or pick up some from your favorite bakery. The spiced aroma of gingerbread is simply irresistible during the holidays!
- 2 cups assorted chocolates: Think about a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolates. You can even include some fun chocolate-covered pretzels or other treats for a crunchy twist!
- 1 pound sugar cookies: These are a must for their sweet, buttery flavor. Use seasonal cookie cutters to shape them into festive forms like stars, trees, or snowflakes!
- 1 cup dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, and apricots add a lovely pop of color and a chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the other treats.
- 1 cup mixed nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans bring a nice crunch to the platter. Make sure they’re unsalted so they don’t overpower the sweetness!
- 1 pound peppermint bark: This candy is a holiday favorite! You can make it at home or buy it; either way, it adds a refreshing minty flavor that’s just delightful.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These fluffy little clouds are perfect for topping! They add a fun texture and sweetness that everyone loves.
Feel free to mix and match with your personal favorites, and don’t shy away from adding a little extra holiday cheer! Let’s get ready to assemble this beautiful platter!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together and create a stunning Christmas dessert platter! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a festive masterpiece that will wow everyone at your gathering.
Prepare the Gingerbread Cookies
First things first, let’s make those gingerbread cookies! If you’re making them from scratch, prepare your dough according to your favorite recipe. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick, and use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re just firm to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding them to the platter. The smell will fill your kitchen and get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Melt the Assorted Chocolates
Next up, let’s melt those assorted chocolates! Grab a double boiler—this is super important because it helps prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning. Just simmer some water in the bottom pot, and place the chocolate in the top pot. Stir gently until it’s smooth and melted. If you don’t have a double boiler, a heatproof bowl over a saucepan works too! This melted chocolate can be drizzled over cookies or used as a dip for fruits—yum!
Shape and Bake the Sugar Cookies
Now, onto the sugar cookies! Roll out your sugar cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use your seasonal cookie cutters to create those adorable shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely before decorating or adding them to your platter. Trust me, the soft, buttery flavor is a holiday classic!
Arrange Dried Fruits and Mixed Nuts
Time to make the platter look delightful! Start by arranging the dried fruits and mixed nuts on one side of your platter. I like to create little mounds of colorful dried fruits like cranberries and apricots, then sprinkle mixed nuts in between. This not only adds beautiful color but also gives a nice variety of textures. Don’t worry about being perfect—just let your creativity flow!
Prepare the Peppermint Bark
For the peppermint bark, simply break it into bite-sized pieces. I usually do this by placing the bark in a zip-top bag and giving it a gentle tap with a rolling pin. This way, you won’t have to deal with any messy crumbles! Arrange the pieces artfully on the platter, and watch how they instantly add a festive flair!
Top with Mini Marshmallows
Now, let’s give your platter a fun touch with mini marshmallows! Sprinkle them evenly over the spaces you have left on the platter. They not only look cute but also add a delightful sweetness that everyone adores. You can even create little clusters if you want to make it more whimsical!
Add Festive Decorations
Finally, let’s add those finishing touches! You can garnish your platter with some sprigs of fresh mint or even edible glitter for a sparkly touch. A few cinnamon sticks or star anise can add a lovely aroma and a rustic charm. Let your imagination run wild—this is all about making it personal and festive!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions you use. But here’s a rough idea of what you can expect per serving of our delightful Christmas dessert platter:
- Serving Size: 1/10 of platter
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
So there you have it! A deliciously sweet platter that brings joy to your holiday celebrations without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite, knowing that it’s all part of the festive fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? You’re going to absolutely adore this Christmas dessert platter for so many reasons! First off, the variety is just incredible. I mean, who doesn’t love a spread that includes gingerbread cookies, chocolates, and peppermint bark? It’s like a mini holiday feast all in one place! Each bite offers a different flavor and texture, keeping everyone coming back for more.
Another thing I love about this platter is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning display that looks like you slaved away for hours. Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for the cookies to cool! Plus, you can get the whole family involved. It’s such a fun activity to assemble together, making it a beautiful bonding experience.
And let’s not forget the festive appeal! This platter is a feast for the eyes, with its colorful assortment and cheerful decorations. It instantly brings that warm holiday spirit to any gathering, making it feel extra special. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just enjoying a cozy night in with loved ones, this dessert platter is the perfect centerpiece. Trust me, it’ll spark joy and create sweet memories that will last well beyond the holiday season!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas dessert platter is a total showstopper! Here are some of my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Cooling is Key: Make sure all your baked goodies are completely cool before you start assembling your platter. If they’re warm, they might stick together or make the chocolate melt—yikes!
- Use Colorful Ingredients: The more colorful your ingredients, the more visually appealing your platter will be! Think about the vibrant reds of dried cranberries, the rich browns of nuts, and the festive greens from mint leaves. It all adds to the holiday cheer!
- Don’t Overcrowd: When arranging everything, give each treat a little space to shine. Overcrowding can make it look messy, and we want it to look inviting and beautiful!
- Layering is Fun: If you have a large platter, consider creating layers with your treats. You can use smaller bowls for nuts and dried fruits and place them on the platter for added height and interest.
- Involve Everyone: Get your family or friends involved in the assembling process! It’s a fun way to bond and you can all share ideas on how to arrange the treats. Plus, everyone will feel more connected to the final creation!
- Make it Personal: Feel free to add your favorite holiday treats or family recipes to the platter. Maybe it’s a special cookie or candy that holds a memory—those personal touches make it extra special!
- Keep it Fresh: If you’re preparing the platter in advance, store it in an airtight container to keep everything fresh. Just be sure to add delicate items like mini marshmallows closer to serving time to prevent them from getting stale.
- Use Festive Garnishes: Add some flair with garnishes like edible glitter, sprigs of rosemary, or even little candy canes! These small details can elevate your platter from lovely to absolutely magical!
By following these tips, I promise your Christmas dessert platter will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on your holiday table. Now, let’s get festive and create something beautiful!
Variations
One of the best things about a Christmas dessert platter is how easy it is to customize! You can really let your creativity shine and cater to different tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider that will make your platter even more exciting:
- Chocolate-Covered Everything: Swap out the assorted chocolates for a variety of chocolate-covered fruits and nuts. Think chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels, or even marshmallows! It adds a fun twist and a touch of elegance.
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Instead of just gingerbread and sugar cookies, consider adding snickerdoodles, peppermint swirl cookies, or even eggnog-flavored treats. Each cookie brings its own festive flavor!
- Cheesecake Bites: If you want something a bit more decadent, add mini cheesecake bites topped with fruit or chocolate drizzle. They’re creamy, dreamy, and a delightful contrast to the other treats!
- Fresh Fruit: For a refreshing touch, include some seasonal fresh fruits like sliced oranges, pomegranate seeds, or even apple slices. They add color and a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness.
- Spiced Nuts: Instead of plain mixed nuts, try making spiced nuts with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup. They add a warm, cozy flavor that perfectly fits the holiday vibe.
- Baklava Bites: For a unique twist, include some mini baklava bites. The flaky pastry and honey syrup will add a delightful Mediterranean flair to your platter!
- Homemade Fudge: Consider adding a few squares of homemade fudge in different flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, or even pumpkin spice. It’s rich, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Granola Clusters: For a healthier option, add some homemade granola clusters. They’re chewy, crunchy, and can be flavored with spices like ginger and cinnamon for a festive touch.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a Christmas dessert platter that reflects your personal style and tastes. The more variety, the merrier! Let your imagination run wild, and make your platter a true reflection of the holiday spirit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the festivities wind down and you’ve enjoyed your beautiful Christmas dessert platter, you might have some leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with simple storage tips to keep everything fresh and delicious!
First, for any uneaten gingerbread and sugar cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up, or you might end up with a soggy mess—yikes!
As for the assorted chocolates and peppermint bark, these can also be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. If you live in a warmer climate, consider putting them in the fridge to prevent melting, but let them come back to room temperature before enjoying again for the best flavor!
For the dried fruits and mixed nuts, keep them in a separate airtight container to maintain their texture. They should stay good for a couple of weeks. If you notice any stale nuts, just give them a quick toast in the oven to bring back their crunch!
Now, if you have any mini marshmallows left, it’s best to use them within a few days as they can dry out. Store them in an airtight bag or container and keep them at room temperature.
In terms of reheating, most treats on your platter don’t need any reheating. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature! However, if you want to warm up your cookies a bit, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—careful not to overdo it, or they’ll become tough!
So there you have it! With these easy storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last piece of your Christmas dessert platter long after the holiday gatherings are over. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Christmas Dessert Platter: 7 Joyful Treats for the Holidays
- Temps Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Rendement: Serves 10 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful assortment of festive treats perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound gingerbread cookies
- 2 cups assorted chocolates
- 1 pound sugar cookies
- 1 cup dried fruits
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 pound peppermint bark
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare gingerbread cookies according to your recipe.
- Melt assorted chocolates in a double boiler.
- Shape and bake sugar cookies.
- Arrange dried fruits and mixed nuts on a platter.
- Break peppermint bark into pieces.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Garnish with festive decorations.
Notes
- Use seasonal cookie cutters for a festive shape.
- Feel free to add your favorite holiday treats.
- Ensure all items are cooled before arranging.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking and assembling
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/10 of platter
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: christmas dessert platter, holiday treats, festive desserts
