Save Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with the Festive Christmas Joy Trios, a charming collection of three delightful treats that bring warmth and cheer to any Christmas gathering. This trio blends the nostalgic spices of gingerbread, the creamy sweetness of white chocolate bark with a zesty twist, and the savory elegance of mini Brie and fig tartlets. Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will enchant your guests and brighten your festive table.
Save This trio is designed to spread joy not only through its taste but also its beautiful presentation. The gingerbread mini cookies bring that classic, warmly spiced aroma and crisp bite, while the cranberry pistachio white chocolate bark adds a visually stunning and textural contrast with bursts of tartness and nutty crunch. The mini Brie & fig tartlets round out the selection with creamy richness and an herbal note from fresh thyme, ensuring every bite is a festive celebration.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Mini Cookies: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened), 2 tbsp molasses, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt
- Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Bark: 200 g white chocolate (chopped), 1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped), 1/4 cup shelled pistachios (chopped), zest of 1 orange
- Mini Brie & Fig Tartlets: 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry, 100 g Brie cheese (cut into small cubes), 1/4 cup fig jam, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Mini Cookies:
- a. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
b. In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add molasses and egg yolk, mixing well.
c. In another bowl, sift flour with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
d. Mix dry ingredients into wet until a dough forms.
e. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into small festive shapes.
f. Arrange on a lined baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool on a rack. - Make the Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Bark:
- a. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
b. Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
c. Spread melted chocolate evenly on prepared sheet.
d. Sprinkle cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest evenly on top.
e. Chill for 15 minutes until set, then break into shards. - Assemble the Mini Brie & Fig Tartlets:
- a. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
b. Cut puff pastry into 12 rounds and press into a mini muffin tin.
c. Place a cube of Brie and 1/2 tsp fig jam in each cup.
d. Sprinkle with thyme.
e. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Cool slightly before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When rolling out the gingerbread dough, chill it briefly if it feels too sticky to handle. This makes cutting festive shapes easier and prevents spreading during baking. Use fresh orange zest for the white chocolate bark to enhance the brightness of flavors. For the tartlets, ensure the puff pastry edges are firmly pressed into the muffin tin to avoid lifting during baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap all-purpose flour and puff pastry for gluten-free alternatives to make this platter gluten-free. Vegan substitutions include using vegan butter and egg replacer for the cookies, along with dairy-free white chocolate and vegan cheese to maintain the spirit of the trio while accommodating dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this festive trio alongside a sparkling wine or a warm spiced apple cider to complete the holiday atmosphere. Arrange the trio on a beautiful platter to highlight the seasonal colors and textures, making it a centerpiece that invites guests to nibble and celebrate.
Save With simple steps and a few quality ingredients, the Festive Christmas Joy Trios offer a scrumptious way to spread holiday cheer. Whether for gifting or delighting guests at home, these treats are sure to become a beloved part of your seasonal traditions.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What ingredients create the spiced cookie flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combined with brown sugar and molasses provide the warm, festive spice notes in the gingerbread mini cookies.
- → How is the white chocolate bark prepared?
White chocolate is melted and spread onto parchment, then topped with dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and orange zest before chilling until firm.
- → Can I make these treats vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, substitute vegan butter, egg replacers, and vegan cheese for a vegan version, and use gluten-free flour and puff pastry to accommodate gluten-free needs.
- → What is the best way to store the white chocolate bark?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool place; it will keep fresh for up to one week.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
You'll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking trays, a saucepan for melting chocolate, a mini muffin tin, and parchment paper.
- → How long does the entire preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and cooking takes an additional 20 minutes, totaling approximately 50 minutes.