Pin 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 at a princess-themed birthday party and it was a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
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 This dessert always brings smiles and compliments when I prepare it for family gatherings making celebrations extra special.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use gluten-free flour for the cookies or substitute dark or milk chocolate in the mousse for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dessert tray with sparkling lemonade or a fruity sparkling wine to complement the sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cookies can be baked and decorated a day in advance and mousse should be chilled at least 2 hours before serving for best results.
Pin This princess crown dessert tray is sure to enchant guests and become a favorite for festive occasions.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect crown shapes on the cookies?
Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent sticking. Use a sharp crown-shaped cutter and roll dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness for clean edges.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use royal icing for detailed designs and finish with edible gold or pearl sprinkles to add a regal sparkle and texture.
- → How should the white chocolate mousse be chilled?
After folding the whipped cream into the melted chocolate and egg mixture, chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least two hours to develop a smooth, airy texture.
- → Can I substitute fruits for the berry jewels?
Yes. Other fresh fruits like sliced kiwi, blackberries, or pomegranate arils complement the flavor and maintain the jewel-like appearance.
- → Are there any recommended pairings for this dessert tray?
Sparkling lemonade or fruity sparkling wine harmonize beautifully with the creamy mousse and sweet cookies, enhancing the celebration vibe.