Save A whimsical dessert board inspired by the enchanting sounds of the night, featuring an assortment of sweets and treats creatively arranged to resemble a wise owl. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or themed events.
I first created this dessert board for a family gathering and everyone loved how playful and delicious it was.
Ingredients
- Base & Structure: 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), 6 large chocolate chip cookies, 8 graham crackers, 1 cup chocolate wafer cookies
- Owl Features: 2 large round sugar cookies (for owl eyes), 6 white chocolate buttons or candy melts (for eye highlights), 2 brown M&Ms or chocolate candies (for pupils), 1 dried apricot or orange jelly bean (for beak)
- Sweet Accents: 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels (for wings), ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries, ½ cup mixed nuts (optional, for tree branch effect), ½ cup banana chips, ½ cup fresh blueberries
- Dipping & Garnishes: ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread, ½ cup whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (for feather detail)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large platter or wooden board, arrange the chocolate chip cookies in a semi-circle at the base to create the owl's body.
- Step 2:
- Place the two large round sugar cookies at the top center for the owl's eyes. Add white chocolate buttons on top for eye highlights, and place brown M&Ms or chocolate candies in the center as pupils.
- Step 3:
- Position the dried apricot or orange jelly bean between and just below the eyes to form the beak.
- Step 4:
- Use chocolate-covered pretzels on either side of the body to create the wings.
- Step 5:
- Arrange chocolate sandwich cookies and wafers around the body to mimic feathers.
- Step 6:
- Add banana chips, dried cranberries, and blueberries around the edges for color and texture.
- Step 7:
- Place mixed nuts and graham crackers along the bottom to resemble a tree branch.
- Step 8:
- Fill small bowls with chocolate hazelnut spread and whipped cream yogurt for dipping, and place them at the sides of the board.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the feathers for added detail.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to pick and dip as desired.
Save This dessert board brought my family together for a delightful and fun experience around the table.
Notes
Pairs well with hot chocolate or milky tea for a cozy treat.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, spatula or spoon for dips, food-safe tweezers optional for precise placement.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, soy, nuts if using, and eggs in some cookies. May contain traces of peanuts or tree nuts. Double-check all ingredient labels if serving those with allergies.
Save Enjoy assembling this charming owl dessert board and delight your guests with its creativity and taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the owl features?
Use two large round sugar cookies as eyes, topping them with white chocolate buttons and brown candies for pupils. Place a dried apricot or jelly bean as the beak right below the eyes.
- → What alternatives exist for nuts due to allergies?
Swap out mixed nuts with extra dried fruits or additional banana chips to maintain texture and flavor without allergy concerns.
- → Can the board be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, but assemble close to serving time to keep cookies crisp and fresh. Store components separately if possible to avoid sogginess.
- → What dips complement this dessert arrangement?
Chocolate hazelnut spread and whipped cream or vanilla yogurt create delightful contrast and add creamy richness to the sweets.
- → How to add visual texture resembling feathers?
Arrange chocolate sandwich cookies and wafers around the body and sprinkle shredded coconut over them to simulate feather details.
- → What drinks pair well with this dessert board?
Hot chocolate or milky tea enhance the sweet and creamy flavors while maintaining a cozy, comforting experience.