As a rule, in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday, we do not forget to show culinary creativity. And no one would argue with the fact that mini desserts for your holiday party will be a good treat. They always look beautiful, convenient to serve. Guests can easily take the treat without feeling obliged to eat a big piece, and they also give you the opportunity to try different flavors. Small portions give you control over how much you eat, which is important for good health. Studies even show that smaller portions help people feel more satisfied. (Learn more about the psychology of portion control from the Journal of Consumer Psychology study.)
In this article, we’ll try to talk about 10 delicious mini desserts for your holiday party. And something tells me that all your guests will be satisfied.
By the way, many desserts can be prepared in advance and you will have more time to relax instead of spending it in the kitchen.
1. Mini cheesecakes
Well, you can’t do without mini cheesecakes. They are a classic! Delicate, creamy and loved by almost everyone, mini cheesecakes will be the decoration of any festive table.
To make them, mix together cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla, then spread the mixture over graham cracker crusts in a muffin mold. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes, cool and decorate to your liking. These can be berries, caramel or crushed mints.
I assure you, everyone will love this treat!
2. Holiday-themed cupcakes
Holiday-themed cupcakes are always an eye-catcher. Prepare the batter for your favorite cupcakes, such as Red Velvet or Peppermint Chocolate, and bake them in holiday-themed molds. Once cooled, spread buttercream frosting over them and decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed peppermint candies.
Not only are these cupcakes delicious, but they can also be an edible decoration for your dessert table.
3. Mini pies
Instead of baking one big pie, it’s better to make a dozen small ones. And it is not difficult at all. Roll out the dough, cut out small circles and place them in muffin molds. Fill with your favorite filling – pumpkin, pecan or apple – and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden. Add a scoop of whipped cream to make them look even more festive.
Before you know it, your guests will be eating all of your mini pies!
Note. Try using King Arthur’s All-Purpose Flour for the fluffiest crust ever!
4. Chocolate covered strawberries
Here’s something that’s really simple, elegant and always a favorite is chocolate covered strawberries. Simply melt dark, milk or white chocolate, dip the strawberries and place on parchment paper.
For a festive look, you can decorate with drips of other chocolate or dip in sprinkles. Refrigerate to allow the chocolate to set, and voila! – A spectacular and delicious dessert is ready.
5. Mini Pavlova
Fans of light, crunchy desserts will be delighted with delicate and delicious mini pavlova cakes. Whisk the whites with the sugar to stiff peaks, then place small portions on parchment paper. Bake at 225°F (110°C) for one hour, cool and garnish with whipped cream and fresh fruit such as kiwi, berries or pomegranate seeds.
6. Dessert shooters
Dessert shooters look great on a holiday table. Spoon mousse, pudding or cheesecake cream into small cups. Alternate layers of creamy treats with cookie crumbs, berries or cake pieces. All can be garnished with whipped cream or cocoa sprinkles. Make sure it turns out delicious, and beautiful!
Amazon Recommendation. Grab these mini dessert glasses for the perfect presentation.
7. Sandwich cookies
Let’s perfect your favorite cookie. Bake it, cool it and spread frosting, Nutella or cream cheese between two cookies. Dip the edges in crushed candy or sprinkles for a more attractive look. How’s that for an idea?
8. Truffles
Velvety and incredibly delicious truffles are a must on any dessert table. Heat the cream, pour the chopped chocolate over it and mix until smooth. Cool the mixture, form small balls and roll them in cocoa, nuts or sprinkles. As you can see, truffles are easy to make and almost everyone likes them.
9. Mini éclairs and profiteroles
Use the French classic in mini format. Form small pieces or circles from choux pastry and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden. Once cooled, fill the eclairs with custard or whipped cream and top with chocolate ganache. A sprinkling of powdered sugar will give the profiteroles a festive look.
10. Fruit tartlets
Everyone’s favorite mini tartlets, where a crumbly base, creamy filling and fresh fruit are perfectly combined. Cannot fail to be present on the dessert table. Spread the dough into small molds, bake until golden and let cool. Fill them with cream cheese or custard, and decorate the top with berries, kiwi or pomegranate. A light glaze of apricot confit will give the desserts a beautiful shine.
How to serve your mini desserts
Let’s take a little time on presentation, it plays a big role, especially when it comes to mini desserts for your holiday party. It is advisable to use tiered stands, wooden boards or festive plates. Such serving will make the desserts even more attractive. Adding edible glitter will not be superfluous .
Which of these mini desserts appealed to you the most? Which ones did you decide to decorate your holiday table with? Or maybe you have a favorite recipe we didn’t mention?
Share your thoughts and photos in the comments or on social media. Let’s learn from each other!
