Viral Cookie Boards: The Ultimate Charcuterie-Style Treat for the Holidays

If you thought charcuterie boards were only for cheese and meats, think again! Cookie boards — the viral holiday trend taking over Instagram and Pinterest — are a deliciously festive twist on the classic charcuterie board. These beautifully styled trays of cookies, candies, and small desserts are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a stunning gift idea.

Whether you’re entertaining or simply want to create a show-stopping dessert display, cookie boards are all about mixing textures, colors, and flavors in a visually appealing way. Here’s everything you need to know to create your own charcuterie-style cookie board, plus a full recipe roundup.

What Is a Cookie Board?

A cookie board is essentially a platter of assorted cookies, candies, and small desserts, styled like a charcuterie board. The goal is to combine variety, color, and fun textures to make an edible centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Common elements include:

• Classic cookies: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, sugar cookies

• Holiday-themed cookies: gingerbread, peppermint, or decorated sugar cookies

• Candy: candy canes, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels

• Fresh or dried fruits: berries, orange slices, or candied fruit

• Nuts or small bites: almonds, pistachios, or mini brownies

• Optional savory touches: cheese or salty snacks for a sweet-and-savory twist

Styling a Charcuterie-Style Cookie Board

To make your cookie board truly Instagram-worthy, presentation is key. Here’s how to style a viral cookie board like a pro:

1. Pick a Board or Tray

• Wooden cutting boards, slate boards, or marble platters work best.

• Make sure it’s large enough to hold all the treats without overcrowding.

2. Layer in Height and Texture

• Stack some cookies or brownies in small piles to create dimension.

• Use bowls or ramekins for candies, truffles, or nuts.

• Sprinkle powdered sugar, cocoa, or crushed candy canes for visual interest.

3. Play With Color

• Alternate colors and patterns: chocolate cookies next to white cookies, candy canes, or colorful sprinkles.

• Incorporate greenery like rosemary sprigs or edible flowers for a festive touch.

4. Fill in the Gaps

• Don’t leave empty spaces — fill with small candies, chocolate kisses, or mini marshmallows.

• Consider seasonal touches like sugared cranberries, peppermint bark pieces, or chocolate coins.

5. Balance Sweetness and Variety

• Mix chewy, crunchy, and soft textures.

• Include a range of flavors: chocolate, vanilla, spice, citrus.

Cookie Board Recipe Roundup

Here’s a detailed recipe list for your board. Each recipe is sized to make multiple cookies so you can fill a board generously.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

3. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

5. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

6. Stir in chocolate chips.

7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

8. Bake 9–11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Tip: Sprinkle lightly with sea salt before baking for a gourmet touch.

2. Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp cream of tartar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp sugar + 3 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients.

5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then roll balls in the mixture.

6. Place on ungreased baking sheets and flatten slightly.

7. Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

3. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. Beat butter and sugar until light, add egg, molasses, and vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Chill dough 1 hour.

5. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick and cut with cookie cutters.

6. Bake 8–10 minutes. Decorate with icing if desired.

4. Sugar Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

3. Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in flour. Roll dough and cut into shapes.

5. Bake 8–10 minutes. Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.

5. Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate

• 8 oz white chocolate

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

• 6 crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Melt dark chocolate and spread on parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill 10 minutes.

2. Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract and pour over dark layer. Swirl gently.

3. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Chill until firm, then break into pieces.

6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 bag pretzel rods or twists

• 8 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate, melted

• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Dip pretzels halfway into melted chocolate.

2. Lay on parchment and decorate with sprinkles.

3. Chill until firm.

7. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup fruit jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla.

3. Gradually mix in flour and salt.

4. Roll dough into balls and press thumb into center to make a well.

5. Fill with jam. Bake 12–15 minutes.

8. Mini Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup flour

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Melt butter; stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Mix in cocoa, flour, and salt.

4. Pour into greased pan; bake 20–25 minutes. Cool and cut into small squares for your board.

9. Biscotti or Shortbread Cookies

Biscotti: Twice-baked for crunchy texture, perfect for coffee pairing.
Shortbread: Classic buttery squares for balance against soft cookies.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Cookie Board

• Start With a Base: Place larger cookies first to anchor the board.

• Use Odd Numbers: Groups of 3, 5, or 7 look more visually appealing.

• Create Clusters: Group similar cookies or candies together for organization.

• Add Height: Stack some cookies or use small bowls for variation.

• Incorporate Seasonal Elements: Sprigs of rosemary, candy canes, or sugared cranberries add color and holiday cheer.

• Consider Dietary Preferences: Add gluten-free or nut-free options so everyone can enjoy.

• Photography Tip: Take overhead shots in natural light to capture textures and colors beautifully.

Wrapping It Up

Cookie boards are the ultimate festive treat that combine creativity, flavor, and eye-catching presentation. By following these charcuterie-style styling tips and mixing a variety of cookies, candies, and decorative elements, you can create a show-stopping board that’s perfect for holiday entertaining, gifts, or social media posts.

Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting a sweet board to a loved one, or just treating yourself, this viral cookie trend is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season.