Save A whimsical, royal-inspired dessert tray featuring crown-shaped sugar cookies, berry jewels, and creamy white chocolate mousse. Perfect for birthdays, princess parties, or any magical celebration.
I first served this dessert tray at my daughter's birthday party and it was a magical hit among all guests, young and old.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookies: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, royal icing for decoration, edible gold or pearl sprinkles optional
- White Chocolate Mousse: 1 cup white chocolate chopped, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/4 cups heavy cream divided, 2 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Berry Jewels: 1 cup fresh raspberries, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Cookies:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mix until dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out crown shapes using a cookie cutter. Place on lined baking sheets. Bake 10 12 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing adding edible gold or pearl sprinkles for a regal touch.
- Make the White Chocolate Mousse:
- Melt white chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar over low heat until slightly thickened about 2 minutes. Stir egg mixture into melted chocolate. Let cool. Whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold gently into chocolate mixture. Chill mousse for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Assemble the Dessert Tray:
- Arrange crown cookies on a large serving tray. Pipe or spoon white chocolate mousse into small glasses or bowls garnish with a few berries on top. Scatter the berries around the cookies and mousse to resemble jeweled treasures.
Pin it This dessert tray always brings joy to our family gatherings, creating lasting magical memories.
Notes
For extra sparkle, use edible glitter on the cookies. Pair with sparkling lemonade or a fruity sparkling wine.
Required Tools
Crown-shaped cookie cutter, electric mixer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, baking sheet and parchment paper, heatproof bowl, saucepan, piping bag optional
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and may contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in facilities with nuts. Double-check all labels for allergen safety.
Pin it This dessert tray combines elegance and fun, perfect for making any celebration truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispiness for the crown cookies?
Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Let them cool completely for a crisp texture.
- → Can I substitute the white chocolate mousse with other flavors?
Yes, using dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate will create a different flavor profile while maintaining the mousse’s creamy texture.
- → How long should the mousse chill before serving?
Chilling the mousse for at least 2 hours is recommended to achieve a light, airy consistency and allow flavors to meld.
- → What berries work best as jewel garnishes?
Fresh raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries add vibrant color and a sweet-tart balance that complements the creamy mousse and cookies.
- → Is it important to use royal icing for decorating the cookies?
Royal icing hardens well, providing a smooth, decorative finish and stability for edible sprinkles, enhancing the regal appearance.