Winter Wonderland Dessert Charcuterie Board That’s Perfect for Entertaining

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When frosty evenings and cozy holiday gatherings call for something extra sweet, a Winter Wonderland Dessert Charcuterie Board is the perfect centerpiece. Piled high with bite-sized treats—think snowy white candies, frosted cookies, and sparkly sugar-coated fruits—this board is a magical way to celebrate the season. And to take your dessert spread up a notch, whip up a batch of these “Frosty Peppermint Cocoa Truffles.” They’re rich, creamy, and oh-so-dreamy when snugly arranged among other winter-themed goodies.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 candy canes, crushed (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions

Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and whisk in the chocolate chips until they melt completely, creating a smooth, velvety mixture. Stir in the peppermint extract to bring that festive, minty zing.

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Transfer the chocolate mixture to a shallow dish, cover, and let it firm up in the refrigerator for about an hour. Once set, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out roughly one-inch portions and roll them into small balls. Dust your hands with a bit of cocoa powder if things get sticky. Gently roll each truffle in the cocoa powder to create a rustic, wintry finish—almost like little snowballs covered in a light dusting of chocolate snow.

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For a dash of whimsical color, roll a few truffles in the crushed candy cane pieces. Arrange them on your dessert charcuterie board alongside sugared berries, glittery white candies, and maybe even a bowl of marshmallows for a truly picturesque spread.

Dessert charcuterie boards are all about variety and fun, and these Frosty Peppermint Cocoa Truffles make a perfect addition for mint-lovers and chocolate aficionados alike. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or just craving something sweet on a chilly night, this treat can be adapted by swapping out the peppermint for other flavors (like orange or almond), opting for dark or white chocolate, and using the cocoa powder of your choice. It’s a decadent nibble that brings everyone together around the dessert table, ready to share in the joy of the season.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.