Save A whimsical and festive candy platter arranged to resemble a cheerful scarecrow&mdash perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or a fun edible centerpiece.
This candy platter quickly became my favorite party centerpiece, delighting guests of all ages with its playful design and tasty treats.
Ingredients
- Base & Face: 1 round sugar cookie (8&ndash10 inches diameter) or large round rice cake, 1/3 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional for flavor)
- Decorations: 1/4 cup candy corn, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup orange jelly beans or orange M&Ms, 1/4 cup pretzel sticks, 1/4 cup red licorice strings, 2 large marshmallows, 6&ndash8 mini chocolate cookies (eg mini Oreos) for hat, 1/4 cup shredded coconut tinted yellow with food coloring for straw hair, 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles, 1/4 cup assorted gummy candies for cheeks and bow tie
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the large sugar cookie or rice cake on a serving platter to form the scarecrow's face.
- Step 2:
- Spread an even layer of frosting over the surface. Swirl in peanut butter if using.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the tinted shredded coconut along the top and sides of the cookie to resemble straw hair.
- Step 4:
- Create the hat by lining mini chocolate cookies above the hair, using a marshmallow for the hat's tip if desired.
- Step 5:
- Use chocolate chips or candies for the eyes. Slice a marshmallow in half for extra large eyes, if you like, and place a chocolate chip in the center of each.
- Step 6:
- Form a triangle nose with orange jelly beans or M&Ms.
- Step 7:
- Make a smiling mouth using red licorice strings.
- Step 8:
- Add cheeks with round gummy candies.
- Step 9:
- Decorate around the base with candy corn and additional gummies for a festive look.
- Step 10:
- Use pretzel sticks to create a bow tie beneath the face.
- Step 11:
- Scatter chocolate sprinkles for extra detail. Serve immediately or cover until ready to present.
Save My family looks forward to this treat every Halloween especially the kids who love helping with the decorating process.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Spatula or offset knife, Small bowls for sorting candies, Kitchen scissors (for cutting licorice)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (in cookies and some candies), dairy (in frosting), peanuts (if using peanut butter), soy, and possible tree nuts (depending on candy and cookie brands). Some candies may contain gelatin (not vegetarian). Always check ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 230, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Protein 2 g
Save With just a little creativity this candy platter becomes a festive and delicious centerpiece sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What base can I use for the scarecrow face?
A large sugar cookie or a round rice cake works well as a sturdy base for the candy arrangement.
- → How do I tint the shredded coconut yellow?
Combine shredded coconut with a few drops of yellow food coloring inside a sealed bag and shake until evenly colored.
- → Can I make this without peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter is optional and can be omitted for a nut-free alternative without affecting the structure.
- → How should I assemble the scarecrow’s hat?
Line mini chocolate cookies above the coconut hair and top the center with a marshmallow for the hat’s tip.
- → What candies are recommended for the facial features?
Use mini chocolate chips for eyes, orange jelly beans or M&Ms for the nose, red licorice for the mouth, and gummy candies for cheeks and a bow tie.
- → Can this platter be made gluten-free?
Substitute the base with a gluten-free cookie or rice cake to accommodate gluten sensitivities.