Oh, the magic of festive treats during the holiday season! There’s something so heartwarming about gathering around a table filled with sweet delights, and that’s where my *Christmas dessert platter* shines. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a beautiful assortment of love and cheer that brings everyone together. Picture this: a cozy evening with family, laughter filling the air, and that stunning platter in the center, gleaming with gingerbread cookies, chocolate truffles, and colorful peppermint bark. Trust me, it’s a showstopper! Every bite is a little celebration, and it makes holiday gatherings feel extra special. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you, so let’s dive in and create some delicious memories together!
Ingredients List
To create your stunning *Christmas dessert platter*, you’ll need a delightful mix of treats that are sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound gingerbread cookies: These spiced cookies are the heart of the platter, bringing warmth and nostalgia.
- 1 pound sugar cookies: Soft and sweet, these cookies can be decorated for a festive touch!
- 8 ounces chocolate truffles: Rich and creamy, they add an indulgent element to your spread.
- 12 ounces peppermint bark: A crunchy, minty treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
- 1 pound fruitcake: Slice it into bite-sized pieces for a classic festive flavor.
- 1 pound assorted nuts: A crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: They add a pop of color and tartness to the mix.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: Soft and fluffy, these are a fun addition to the platter.
Gather these goodies, and you’ll have everything you need for a truly festive spread!
How to Prepare Instructions
Creating your *Christmas dessert platter* is a delightful process that brings all those festive flavors together! Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Prepare the Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the gingerbread cookies, roll out the dough and cut them into your favorite shapes. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes, until they’re just firm to the touch. For the sugar cookies, use cookie cutters to shape them, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let both types cool completely on a wire rack.
Shape the Truffles
While your cookies are cooling, let’s make those chocolate truffles! Melt your chocolate, and once it’s cool enough to handle, scoop out small amounts and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes until they’re firm. Trust me, this step is key for that perfect truffle texture!
Make the Peppermint Bark
Next up, the peppermint bark! Melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Mix in crushed peppermint candy for that holiday crunch. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, or until it’s completely set. Once hardened, break it into pieces!
Slice the Fruitcake
Now, grab that fruitcake and slice it into bite-sized pieces, about half an inch thick. This size is perfect for easy serving and delightful snacking!
Assemble the Platter
Finally, it’s time to put everything together! Carefully arrange the cookies, chocolate truffles, peppermint bark, fruitcake, assorted nuts, dried cranberries, and mini marshmallows on a large platter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your design—layer them up, create little sections, or even add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Your *Christmas dessert platter* is ready to shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Visually stunning with a vibrant mix of colors and textures.
- Endless variety of flavors to satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Great for sharing, bringing everyone together to enjoy delicious treats.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite festive snacks!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your *Christmas dessert platter*, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, balance is key—mix sweet and savory treats to keep things interesting. Think about adding some cheese or crackers alongside the sweets for a delightful contrast. Don’t forget texture; combine crunchy nuts with soft marshmallows and chewy fruitcake for a fun mouthfeel. Also, feel free to get creative with your presentation—layering and varying heights can make your platter visually stunning. Lastly, make it personal! Include family favorites or special treats that spark joy. Happy assembling!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of your *Christmas dessert platter*. Keep in mind these are estimates, so they might vary slightly based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
This delightful assortment is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds! Enjoy every colorful bite.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your *Christmas dessert platter*, consider serving it alongside some festive drinks! A warm mug of spiced cider or creamy eggnog pairs beautifully with the sweet treats. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a sparkling cranberry spritzer can add a festive flair. For a savory balance, a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie can complement the sweetness wonderfully. These delightful pairings will make your holiday gatherings even more memorable!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your *Christmas dessert platter*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I make the platter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookies and truffles a day in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t like fruitcake?
No worries! You can substitute it with your favorite holiday treats—maybe some chocolate-covered pretzels or even shortbread cookies!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have truffles or bark, keep them in the fridge to maintain their texture.
Can I add more items to the platter?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your *Christmas dessert platter* with any festive favorites—think mini cupcakes, fudge, or even candy canes for a colorful touch!
Christmas Dessert Platter: 7 Heartwarming Sweet Treats
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful assortment of festive treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gingerbread cookies
- 1 pound sugar cookies
- 8 ounces chocolate truffles
- 12 ounces peppermint bark
- 1 pound fruitcake
- 1 pound assorted nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the gingerbread and sugar cookies according to recipe instructions.
- Shape chocolate truffles and chill until firm.
- Melt chocolate and mix with crushed peppermint for bark.
- Slice fruitcake into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange cookies, truffles, bark, fruitcake, nuts, cranberries, and marshmallows on a large platter.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for decoration.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the platter with your favorite treats.
- Make sure to balance flavors and textures.
- Consider adding a few savory snacks as well.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas dessert platter
