This cookie charcuterie board might just be my crowning achievement. As a self-proclaimed cookie queen, there’s nothing I enjoy more than assembling cookie boxes, organizing cookie exchanges, and experimenting with new cookie recipes—especially during the holiday season. When it comes to gatherings, I would choose a plate of cookies over fancy desserts any day.
As we wrap up the holiday season, I’m excited to share one more take on a charcuterie board with you all. We kicked off the season with the ultimate crudité platter, followed by a bruschetta board featuring all my favorite toppings and an appetizer board that everyone has been raving about. So, it only makes sense to conclude our series with the ultimate cookie board.
Below, you’ll find all my favorite tips for elevating this holiday dessert, along with step-by-step instructions to help you create your own delicious cookie charcuterie board.
How to Build Your Cookie Charcuterie Board?
The best part of creating a cookie charcuterie board is that the options are truly endless, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and those of your guests. However, like any good charcuterie board, I believe in having a few staple cookies that will anchor the board before branching out into more unique options. Here’s a detailed guide to help you build the ultimate cookie charcuterie board.
Chocolate Cookies
Every great cookie board needs a chocolate component. Whether you choose classic chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, brownie cookies, or even a festive chocolate-peppermint version, incorporating chocolate is essential. This rich flavor adds depth and indulgence to your board, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Chocolate Cookies
Consider offering a variety of chocolate cookies to cater to different tastes. For example, you could include a chewy chocolate chip cookie alongside a fudgy brownie cookie for texture contrast.
Don’t forget to add some chocolate drizzles or sprinkles on top of your cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
Fruit Cookies
Including cookies with a tangy fruit element helps balance out the sweetness of the other options. Consider fruity jam-filled linzer sandwich cookies, zesty citrus and lemon cookies, or cookies made with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruity varieties not only add flavor but also a pop of color to your board.
Tips for Fruit Cookies
Use seasonal fruits to inspire your cookie choices. For instance, during the holidays, cranberry-orange cookies or spiced apple cookies can evoke festive flavors.
You can also create a fruit compote or a small bowl of fruit preserves to serve alongside the cookies, allowing guests to add a little extra sweetness if they desire.
Butter Cookies
Often the unsung hero of the cookie world, butter cookies are simple yet rich, making them the perfect blank canvas for creativity. With a variety of shapes and textures, there’s something for everyone—from classic shortbread squares to delicate buttery spritz cookies. Their versatility allows them to complement the other cookies beautifully.
Tips for Butter Cookies
Experiment with different flavorings, such as vanilla, almond, or even lavender, to give your butter cookies a unique twist.
Decorate butter cookies with icing or edible glitter to make them visually appealing and festive.
The Fun Cookies
While all cookies are fun, this category is about adding a little extra flair to your board. Think of cookies that are visually interesting or unique in flavor. This could include cookies with fun toppings, unusual ingredients, or creative shapes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with something new and different—these cookies will help add visual interest and texture to your charcuterie board.
Tips for Fun Cookies
Consider incorporating cookies with unexpected flavors, such as matcha, chai spice, or even savory options like cheese cookies.
Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes that align with the holiday theme, such as stars, trees, or hearts, to make your board more festive.
Additional Elements to Enhance Your Cookie Charcuterie Board
To elevate your cookie charcuterie board even further, consider adding some complementary elements:
Dips and Spreads: Include small bowls of dips or spreads, such as chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or cream cheese frosting, for guests to enjoy with their cookies. This adds an interactive element to your board and allows for flavor experimentation.
Fresh Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mandarin slices, as well as a selection of nuts. These not only add color and texture but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Decorative Touches: Use festive decorations, such as holiday-themed napkins, small ornaments, or edible flowers, to enhance the visual appeal of your board. A beautiful presentation can make your cookie charcuterie board the centerpiece of any gathering.
The Best Recipes for Your Cookie Charcuterie Board
When it comes to creating the ultimate cookie charcuterie board, the beauty lies in the variety. While we certainly have our favorite recipes, a cookie board is the perfect opportunity to blend store-bought, bakery-made, and homemade cookies. You don’t have to bake every recipe yourself! To help you curate the perfect selection, I polled our editors for some of their favorite cookies to include on this delightful board. Here’s a roundup of our top picks.
My Favorites
Store-Bought Soft Sugar Cookies with Frosting: These classic cookies are soft and sweet and come in a variety of colors and designs, making them a festive addition to your board.
Almond Pizelles from the Bakery: These delicate, crisp cookies are infused with almond flavor and have a beautiful lace-like pattern, adding elegance to your spread.
Shortbread Stars: Buttery and crumbly shortbread cookies shaped like stars are perfect for the holiday season and provide a delightful texture contrast.
Strawberry Linzer Cookies: These charming sandwich cookies filled with sweet strawberry jam are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their cut-out tops.
Hazelnut Wafer Cookies: Light and crunchy, these wafer cookies add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your board.
Store-Bought Gingerbread Tiles and Biscuits: Perfect for the holidays, gingerbread cookies bring warmth and spice to your cookie selection.
Peppermint Bark: While not a cookie, this festive treat adds a delicious chocolatey and minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cookies.
Regular and Walnut Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies are a crowd favorite. Offering both regular and walnut varieties ensures there’s something for everyone.
Chocolate Biscuits: These crunchy cookies are perfect for dipping and add a delightful chocolatey element to your board.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite, chocolate chip cookies are a must-have on any cookie board, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Hot Chocolate Cookies: These cookies are inspired by the classic winter drink, featuring rich chocolate flavor and marshmallow bits for a cozy touch.
Pistachio-Cranberry Slice-and-Bake Cookies: These colorful cookies are not only delicious but also add a festive flair with their vibrant green and red colors.
Peanut Butter Cookies: Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite that adds a nutty richness to your board.
Candied Pecan Cookie Bars: These bars combine the flavors of cookies and pecan pie, offering a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Assembly Tips and Tricks
Assembling a cookie charcuterie board is a delightful and creative process, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. However, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that can help elevate the presentation and make your board look more festive and inviting. Here are some tips to consider when putting together your cookie charcuterie board.
1. Organize Cupcake Liners
Using cupcakes or muffin liners for smaller cookies or candies, like peppermint bark, can help keep everything organized while adding a touch of texture. These liners not only prevent the cookies from sliding around but also create a visually appealing separation that enhances the overall look of your board.
2. Use Plates and Bowls to Group Cookies
Incorporating small plates or bowls into your board can add extra height and dimension, making it visually interesting. These dishes also provide a way to separate different types of cookies, preventing their flavors from mixing. For example, you might use a small bowl for your chocolate chip cookies and a plate for your fruit cookies, creating distinct areas that draw the eye.
3. Group Cookies Together in Separate Places
You don’t need to include fifty different cookie recipes to make your board feel abundant. Instead, create groups of the same type of cookie in separate areas of the board. This technique gives the illusion of more variety while maintaining a cohesive look. For instance, you could have a cluster of chocolate chip cookies in one corner and a grouping of shortbread stars in another, making the board feel lush and inviting.
4. Add Extras
Incorporating additional treats can help fill in any gaps on the board and provide options for guests who may not have a sweet tooth. Consider adding items like peppermint bark, candy canes, caramel candies, candied nuts, marshmallows, or even fresh fruit. These extras not only enhance the visual appeal but also offer a variety of flavors and textures for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion
And that’s it! A cookie charcuterie board is the ultimate aesthetic dessert—and it couldn’t be easier to create and customize. With these assembly tips and tricks, you can craft a beautiful and inviting board that will impress your guests and make any gathering feel special. I hope you have fun piling yours high with all the treats, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of creating something delicious and visually stunning! Happy assembling!
