Pin this A whimsical, family-friendly treat tray featuring adorable owl-shaped snacks and sweets—perfect for parties, kids gatherings, or fun dessert tables.
This tray was a hit at our family gathering and the kids loved helping assemble the mini owls.
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.
Pin this Our family enjoys gathering around this treat tray especially when creating the mini owl rice krispie treats together.
Notes
For extra color add fresh fruit or edible flowers to the tray. 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.
Pin this This treat tray brings fun and whimsy to any gathering and is easy to customize based on preferences.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the owl cookies look realistic?
Use candy eyes placed on the cookie halves and add yellow or orange chocolate candies below as beaks. Press the cookie halves gently together to form the owl shape.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for allergies?
Yes, swap candies or cookies for allergy-friendly options. For example, use nut-free chocolate candies or gluten-free sandwich cookies if needed.
- → What’s the best way to keep the chocolate bark firm?
After spreading the melted chocolate mixed with almonds and cranberries, allow it to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm before breaking into pieces.
- → How do I assemble the fruit skewers for owl faces?
Thread a strawberry first, then a banana slice, and top with two blueberries as eyes. Use a touch of honey to help blueberries stick if desired.
- → Can this tray be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, cookies and chocolate bark can be made in advance and stored airtight. Assemble fruit skewers closer to serving to keep them fresh.