Name: Holiday Delight Cookie Platter Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 sugar wafer cookies; 1 cup peppermint pieces; 12 ounces (340 grams) pretzels; 12 ounces (340 grams) melting chocolate wafers; 12 ounces (340 grams) milk or dark chocolate; 12 ounces (340 grams) green candy melts; Red M&M candies; Candy eyes; Sprinkles; Green sanding sugar; Red heart sprinkles

Festive cookie platters spark joy during seasonal celebrations with their irresistible charm and delectable variety.

Sweet treats become magical centerpieces that draw people together in moments of shared happiness.

Delicate, crisp, and beautifully decorated cookies tell stories of tradition and creativity.

Crafting these edible masterpieces requires imagination, precision, and a sprinkle of culinary passion.

Skilled bakers understand that each cookie represents more than just a dessert—it’s an expression of love and connection.

Intricate designs and carefully selected flavors reimagine simple ingredients into memorable experiences.

Surprising combinations and unexpected textures will make you the star of any gathering.

You can create a stunning platter that becomes the highlight of your celebration.

These holiday cookies burst with mouthwatering combinations that dance between sweet chocolate, minty freshness, and playful decorations that instantly spark joy.
No professional baking skills needed – anyone can transform simple wafer cookies into adorable reindeer faces or festive green treats with basic decorating techniques and minimal ingredients.
Whip up these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, spontaneous family baking sessions, or creating memorable treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
Mix and match decoration styles, experiment with different chocolate coatings, and let creativity run wild – each cookie becomes a unique edible masterpiece that reflects personal holiday spirit.

All the Cookies You’ll Need for a Platter

Chocolates and Coatings:

Dark Chocolate: Rich base that provides a smooth, glossy finish for cookie decorations.
White Chocolate: Creamy coating perfect for contrast and festive looks.
Milk Chocolate: Sweeter option with a mellow flavor for cookie dipping.

Cookie Base:

Wafer Cookies: Crisp, light foundation for holiday designs. Choose thin, neutral-flavored wafers.
Sugar Cookies: Classic holiday cookie with sturdy structure for decorating.

Decorative Elements:

Sprinkles, Holiday Colored Sugars: Adds festive sparkle and color. Look for fine, even-sized particles.
Candy Canes, Peppermint Candies: Provides minty crunch and holiday spirit. Crush into small pieces.
Edible Googly Eyes, Candy Buttons: Creates playful reindeer and character designs.
Green Food Coloring: Helps create festive green-tinted cookies. Use gel-based for intense color.
Pretzels: Serves as antlers or decorative elements for reindeer cookies.

How to Arrange and Present Your Cookies

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Magic

Gently warm chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth. Use a rubber spatula to prevent scorching and ensure a glossy finish. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate work wonderfully.

Step 2: Dunk Wafer Cookies

Carefully submerge wafer cookies into the melted chocolate, coating about three-quarters of each cookie. Use a fork to lift and tap off excess chocolate, creating a clean, even layer.

Ingredients for decorating:

Candy sprinkles
Colored sugar
Miniature candies
Edible glitter

Step 3: Embellish With Festive Flair

Quickly add decorations before the chocolate sets. Sprinkle toppings with a light touch, creating unique designs. Place decorated cookies on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.

Step 4: Craft Playful Reindeer Treats

Transform cookies into adorable reindeer faces using:

Pretzel sticks (for antlers)
Candy eyes
Red candies (for noses)

Carefully attach each element to create whimsical characters.

Step 5: Create Vibrant Green Delights

Melt green candy melts using the same gentle technique as chocolate. Dip cookies and immediately add festive accents like:

Green sanding sugar
Red heart sprinkles
Edible pearl dust

Step 6: Prepare Peppermint Bark Sensation

Spread melted chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces across the surface. Allow to completely set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Tips to Keep Cookies Fresh on the Platter

Master Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring between each interval to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy chocolate.
Perfect Cookie Dipping: Tap excess chocolate gently on bowl's edge to create a clean, even coating that won't drip or look messy when setting.
Strategic Decoration Placement: Use tweezers for precise sprinkle and decoration positioning, creating professional-looking holiday cookies with minimal effort.
Temperature Control Trick: Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before dipping to prevent cookie crumbling and achieve a cleaner, more controlled coating.
Parchment Paper Pro Move: Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and quick cleanup during your festive baking session.

Refrigerate: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual cookies or the entire platter tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks without compromising taste or texture.
Thaw: Remove cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently pat dry any condensation with a paper towel to maintain their crisp appearance.

Pairing Ideas for Platter Perfection

Sip Festive Hot Cocoa: Pair these chocolatey wafer cookies with a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. The warm drink complements the cool, crisp chocolate coating perfectly.
Enjoy Creamy Eggnog: Grab a glass of chilled eggnog to balance the sweet chocolate cookies. Its smooth, velvety texture and nutmeg notes create a delightful holiday flavor combination.
Brew Peppermint Tea: Steep a cup of peppermint tea to enhance the minty undertones of the reindeer and green festive cookies. The refreshing herbal drink cleanses the palate between bites.
Savor Vanilla Latte: Indulge in a smooth vanilla latte that matches the sweet and rich flavors of the chocolate-dipped cookies. Its creamy warmth adds an extra layer of holiday comfort.

Chocolate Glaze Crunch: Enhance the cookies by mixing crushed nuts or crispy rice cereal into the melted chocolate before dipping, creating a delightful textural experience.
Winter Scene Special: Transform cookies by using white chocolate with blue sanding sugar, mimicking a snowy landscape and adding elegant winter charm.
Caramel Drizzle Design: After chocolate coating, drizzle warm caramel sauce in zigzag patterns across cookies, adding rich depth and extra sweetness.
Coconut Holiday Splash: Roll freshly dipped chocolate cookies in shredded coconut for a tropical-meets-winter festive variation that provides wonderful texture and flavor.

How long do these holiday cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will remain delicious for about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these cookies 2-3 days before your holiday party. Just keep them in a sealed container and they’ll stay fresh and festive.

What if I don't have candy melts for the green cookies?

No worries! You can use white chocolate with green food coloring as a perfect substitute. The result will be just as colorful and fun.

Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes! These cookies are perfect for family baking. Kids will love helping with dipping, decorating, and creating the cute reindeer faces using pretzels and candy.

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Holiday Delight Cookie Platter Recipe: Festive Joy on a Plate

All the Cookies You’ll Need for a Platter