Save A festive dessert platter featuring elegant, sparkling treats arranged in the shape of a clock—perfect for counting down to midnight on New Years Eve.
This platter became an instant hit at my New Years party, with guests loving both the look and taste of the sparkling clock countdown arrangement.
Ingredients
- Cookies and Pastries: 12 large round shortbread cookies (store-bought or homemade), 8 mini chocolate éclairs, 8 mini cream puffs
- Fruits: 1 cup seedless green grapes, 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved, 1 cup blueberries
- Sparkling Decorations: 1/2 cup edible gold or silver sprinkles, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, edible gold leaf (optional)
- Dips and Extras: 1 cup whipped cream, 1 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce, 12 chocolate numbers (1–12) or melted chocolate for piping numbers
Instructions
- Arrange Cookies:
- Arrange the 12 shortbread cookies in a large circle on a serving platter to mimic the hours on a clock face.
- Number Cookies:
- Pipe or stick chocolate numbers (1–12) onto each cookie or use melted chocolate to write numbers directly.
- Place Pastries:
- Place the mini éclairs and cream puffs attractively between and around the cookies for added variety.
- Add Fruits:
- Fill the center of the platter with grapes, strawberries, and blueberries arranging them in a visually pleasing pattern.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle edible gold or silver decorations over the fruits and pastries for a sparkling effect.
- Dust Sugar:
- Lightly dust the entire platter with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Add Dips:
- Add dollops of whipped cream and chocolate ganache in small bowls around the platter for dipping.
- Accent:
- Optionally accent with flakes of edible gold leaf for extra glamour.
- Final Touch:
- Just before midnight use two thin chocolate sticks or piped chocolate strips to form clock hands pointing at 12.
Save This dessert platter always brings my family together as we countdown and celebrate the New Year joyfully.
Notes
For extra color and texture add macarons or meringues. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, piping bag or zip-top bag for chocolate numbers, small bowls for dips, sifter for powdered sugar.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, and possibly nuts in pastries or decorations. Check all labels for potential allergens especially in store-bought items.
Save This sparkling clock countdown platter is the perfect festive centerpiece to make your New Years celebration unforgettable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the clock numbers stand out on the cookies?
Pipe melted chocolate numbers onto each cookie or use pre-made chocolate numbers for a clean and visible look that resembles clock hours.
- → Can I substitute fruits based on seasonality?
Absolutely! Seasonal fruits like raspberries, kiwi, or mandarin segments can replace the listed berries and grapes to keep the platter fresh and vibrant.
- → What type of cookies work best for the base?
Large round shortbread cookies provide a sturdy base and mild flavor that complements the other sweets and fruits nicely.
- → How should I arrange the platter for the best visual effect?
Place the cookies evenly in a circle to mimic the clock face, then position pastries evenly between them. Fill the center with mixed fruits and sprinkle edible decorations for shimmer.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this platter?
Yes, gluten-free cookies and pastries can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the festive look.
- → What dips pair well with this dessert arrangement?
Whipped cream and chocolate ganache serve as delightful accompaniments for dipping bites from the platter.