Save A whimsical family-friendly treat tray featuring adorable owl-shaped snacks and sweets—perfect for parties, kids gatherings, or fun dessert tables.
I love preparing this tray for family gatherings as it brings smiles and fun to the table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- Owl Cookies: 16 round chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos), 32 candy eyes (store-bought or homemade), 16 yellow or orange chocolate candies (for beaks e.g. M&Ms or Reeses Pieces)
- Mini Owl Rice Krispie Treats: 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 16 mini pretzel twists (for wings), 16 small round chocolate chips (for eyes), 8 orange chocolate candies (for beaks)
- Owl Fruit Skewers: 2 bananas sliced into 16 rounds, 16 large strawberries tops removed, 32 blueberries, 8 wooden skewers
- Chocolate Bark Tree Branches: 200 g dark chocolate, 50 g slivered almonds, 50 g dried cranberries
Instructions
- Assemble Owl Cookies:
- Carefully twist open each chocolate sandwich cookie. Place two candy eyes on one half using a dab of frosting or melted chocolate as glue. Add a yellow or orange chocolate candy just below the eyes for the beak. Place the other cookie half underneath as the body and gently press together.
- Make Mini Owl Rice Krispie Treats:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and mix in Rice Krispies cereal. Using greased hands form 8 small oval shapes. While still warm press two mini pretzel twists into the sides for wings. Add chocolate chips for eyes and a chocolate candy for the beak. Let cool.
- Prepare Owl Fruit Skewers:
- Thread one strawberry onto a skewer (pointed end up) followed by a banana slice. Add two blueberries on top for eyes (attach with a dab of honey if needed). Arrange on a tray to resemble owl faces.
- Make Chocolate Bark Tree Branches:
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Stir in slivered almonds and dried cranberries. Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in branch-like shapes. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm then break into pieces.
- Arrange Treats:
- Arrange all treats artistically on a large tray grouping the owls together and placing chocolate branches as accents.
Save This treat tray is a hit with kids and adults alike and always creates wonderful family moments at celebrations.
Notes
For extra color add fresh fruit or edible flowers to the tray. Swap out candies or cookies for allergy-friendly alternatives as needed. Pair with hot chocolate or apple cider for a cozy treat table.
Required Tools
Saucepan Mixing bowls Baking sheet Parchment paper Skewers Small offset spatula or butter knife
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (cookies) milk soy nuts (almonds) eggs (possible in candies) gluten. Check all candy and cookie labels for allergen cross-contamination if necessary.
Save This owl-themed treat tray is as fun to make as it is to eat making it the perfect centerpiece for any party or gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I assemble the owl cookies?
Gently twist open chocolate sandwich cookies, add candy eyes with a dab of melted chocolate for glue, place a yellow or orange candy as the beak, then sandwich the halves back together carefully.
- → What ingredients are used for the mini owl treats?
The mini treats use Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, butter, mini pretzel twists for wings, chocolate chips for eyes, and orange candy for beaks.
- → How can I keep the fruit skewers fresh?
Use firm, ripe fruit and arrange immediately before serving. A light brush of honey helps attach the blueberries as eyes and preserves freshness.
- → What is the best way to make the chocolate bark branches?
Melt dark chocolate smoothly, stir in slivered almonds and dried cranberries, spread in branch-like shapes on parchment, and let set at room temperature or chill until firm before breaking into pieces.
- → Can these treats be adapted for food allergies?
Yes, candies and cookies can be swapped for allergy-friendly versions, and fresh fruit or edible flowers added for variety and color.
- → What tools are needed to prepare the tray?
A saucepan, mixing bowls, baking sheet, parchment paper, skewers, and a small offset spatula or butter knife make assembly easier and neater.