Holiday Cookie Platter Ideas
I love a good holiday cookie platter. They’re the perfect solution for holiday desserts or even appetizers. Remember the DIY Cookie Boxes I made? Creating a cookie platter is basically a fun way to display cookies or even candies for holiday parties or even as a hostess gift. The last few parties we’ve gone to, I actually brought a cookie platter AND cookie box. That way the host could put a tray of cookies out for their guests and have some set aside for later!
I make one of these cookie platters for every holiday party and dinner we have or go to. But I also make them after the holidays! They’re pretty universally loved, no matter what the theme of the party, holiday or occasion!
Holiday Cookie Platter Ideas
Alright so what’s the difference between a cookie platter and just putting cookies on a plate? It’s all about presentation! Instead of just throwing them on a plate before your holiday party, you can use these tips for arranging the perfect holiday cookie platter.
What Should a Holiday Cookie Platter Look Like?
Have you ever considered that a cookie platter and a cheese plate are basically the same thing? Who doesn’t love cheese? And who doesn’t love cookies? There are also thousands of different kinds of cheese and cookies… giving you endless options.
So the first thing you should keep in minds is that displaying cookies is pretty similar to making a cheese plate. First things first, there’s no right or wrong way to make a holiday cookie platter. At the end of the day, any time you’re serving cookies, people will be happy. But, there is an art to creating a truly show-stopping cooking platter!
Include a Variety of Cookies
Think: lots of different shapes, sizes, flavors, etc. That way you’ll have a cookie for everyone’s preferences and a lot of different shapes and textures for the aesthetic of your plate. You don’t want to just throw 3 different flavors of Oreos onto a plate that all look the same.
I also like to incorporate less traditional cookies into my platters. I think it’s fun to include cookies that people don’t see as often and won’t risk doubling up on if someone else bakes something. Also, I like including flavors that remind people of the holidays like peppermint, gingerbread and eggnog!
Choose The Best Holiday Cookies
As I mentioned, I love going to Trader Joe’s for holiday cookies. They have some awesome options. I picked up their Belgian Cookie Collections, which includes 12 different types of cookies including plain and Belgian chocolate covered (white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate)!
Lebkuchen are another favorite of mine because I grew up having them during the holidays! Lebkuchen are a classic German cookie that have been made for over 600 years. They’re kind of like a soft gingerbread biscuit filled with ingredients like hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, candied orange peel & a ton of spices. The biscuits are baked on top of a thin wafer cooker (these are called the Oblaten), and then coated with chocolate or a sugar glaze.
Some traditional cookie options I like including:
- Almond Spritz Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Biscotti
- Pizelle
- Snickerdoodles
- Rugelach
- Scottish Shortbread
- Gingersnaps
- Chocolate Kiss Cookies
- Candy Cane Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Toffee Cookies
Pick a Platter
I have a ton of pretty decorative plates, marble platters & wood cutting boards. I like to pick a plate that works well with the different types of cookies I’m using. If you’re sticking to mainly chocolate and shortbread like me, you can go with a colorful platter, or metallic one like mine. If you’re adding a ton of different colors, I would opt for something simple like a white platter. The focus should be on the cookies! Just make sure your platter is large enough to fit all of your cookies on.
Add Decorations
Instead of adding too many overlapping cookies, fill in any empty spots on your cookie tray with fun candies, chocolates and holiday decor. You can even add sprigs of rosemary if you want to add a little holiday cheer and color!
Save Extra Cookies for Later
Restocking the cookie platter is key. If you’re having a party, make sure to keep some cookies off to the side that you can refill gaps every once in a while. Keep an eye on cookies that people are eating the most and add more!
Send Guests Home with the Leftovers!
I recommend buying some disposable plates or tupperware for when the party is over. That way you can pack up extra cookies for your guests to take home. It’s great to send your guests home with some cookies for later. And you won’t be stuck with a crazy amount of leftover cookies in your house! You could also make some extra DIY Cookie Tins and wrap them up as parting gifts for your friends and family!
My Favorite Holiday Recipes:
EASY 3 INGREDIENT PEPPERMINT BARK
OOEY GOOEY CHEESY PULL APART CHRISTMAS TREE BREAD
HOLIDAY PIGS IN A BLANKET WREATH RECIPE
