Save A whimsical and festive candy platter arranged to resemble a cheerful scarecrow&mdashperfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or a fun edible centerpiece.
This candy platter has become a seasonal favorite in my family, sparking smiles and compliments every time I serve it.
Ingredients
- Base & Face: 1 round sugar cookie (8&ndash10 inches diameter) or large round rice cake
- Base & Face: 1/3 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- Base & Face: 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional, for flavor)
- Decorations: 1/4 cup candy corn
- Decorations: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Decorations: 1/4 cup orange jelly beans or orange M&Ms
- Decorations: 1/4 cup pretzel sticks
- Decorations: 1/4 cup red licorice strings
- Decorations: 2 large marshmallows
- Decorations: 6&ndash8 mini chocolate cookies (e.g., mini Oreos), for hat
- Decorations: 1/4 cup shredded coconut, tinted yellow with food coloring (for straw hair)
- Decorations: 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles
- Decorations: 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 scarecrows 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 hats 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 This platter always brings the family together, sparking joy and laughter at every gathering.
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 This scarecrow candy platter adds a festive touch to your holiday table and is fun to make with kids.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What base works best for this candy arrangement?
A large sugar cookie or a round rice cake provides a sturdy base and works well for creating the scarecrow’s face.
- → How can the straw hair effect be achieved?
Mix shredded coconut with yellow food coloring, then arrange it around the top and sides to mimic straw hair.
- → Are there nut-free options for flavoring the frosting?
Yes, omit peanut butter for a nut-free version or try frosting flavors like chocolate or maple to vary taste.
- → How do I create the scarecrow’s hat detail?
Use mini chocolate cookies lined above the hair layer, with a marshmallow tip to resemble a cheerful hat.
- → What candies make good facial features?
Chocolate chips or small candies for eyes, orange jelly beans or M&Ms for nose, red licorice strings for mouth, and gummy candies for cheeks are ideal.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Substitute the sugar cookie base with a gluten-free cookie or use a rice cake to accommodate gluten sensitivities.