Save to Pinterest 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.
This dessert board was a hit with my family at our last get-together, sparking delightful conversations and lots of smiles.
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
- Arrange base:
- On a large platter or wooden board, arrange the chocolate chip cookies in a semi-circle at the base to create the owls body.
- Place eyes:
- Place the two large round sugar cookies at the top center for the owls eyes. Add white chocolate buttons on top for eye highlights, and place brown M&Ms or chocolate candies in the center as pupils.
- Form beak:
- Position the dried apricot or orange jelly bean between and just below the eyes to form the beak.
- Create wings:
- Use chocolate-covered pretzels on either side of the body to create the wings.
- Mimic feathers:
- Arrange chocolate sandwich cookies and wafers around the body to mimic feathers.
- Add accents:
- Add banana chips, dried cranberries, and blueberries around the edges for color and texture.
- Add tree branch:
- Place mixed nuts and graham crackers along the bottom to resemble a tree branch.
- Prepare dips:
- Fill small bowls with chocolate hazelnut spread and whipped cream/yogurt for dipping, and place them at the sides of the board.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the feathers for added detail.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to pick and dip as desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids loved helping assemble the owl features and eagerly picked their favorite parts to snack on afterwards.
Notes
Pairs well with hot chocolate or milky tea. Adding edible eyes instead of candies can create a fun twist.
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), eggs (in some cookies). May contain traces of peanuts or tree nuts. Double-check all ingredient labels if serving those with allergies.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy crafting this charming dessert board and the joyful moments it brings to your gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the owl's eyes?
Use two large round sugar cookies as the base, top with white chocolate buttons for highlights, and place brown candies for pupils.
- → What can I substitute for nuts if allergies are a concern?
You can replace nuts with extra dried fruits or additional banana chips to keep the texture and flavor balanced.
- → How should I arrange the wings?
Position chocolate-covered pretzels on either side of the cookie base to resemble the owl's wings.
- → Can I prepare this dessert board in advance?
Because of delicate items like whipped cream, it's best to assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What dips complement this dessert board?
Chocolate hazelnut spread and vanilla yogurt or whipped cream work well, adding creamy texture for dipping.
- → How can I add detail to the owl's feathers?
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cookies to mimic feather texture and add visual interest.