Pin It A whimsical and festive candy platter arranged to resemble a cheerful scarecrow—perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or a fun edible centerpiece.
This scarecrow candy platter always delights my family during Halloween gatherings and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Base & Face: 1 round sugar cookie (8–10 inches diameter) or large round rice cake, 1/3 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional, for flavor)
- Decorations: 1/4 cup candy corn, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup orange jelly beans or orange M&Ms, 1/4 cup pretzel sticks, 1/4 cup red licorice strings, 2 large marshmallows, 6–8 mini chocolate cookies (e.g., mini Oreos) for hat, 1/4 cup shredded coconut tinted yellow with food coloring for straw hair, 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles, 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 scarecrow's 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 hat's 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.
Pin It My kids love helping me decorate this platter as a family activity each Halloween, making sweet memories together.
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
Calories: 230, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 2 g (per serving)
Pin It This cheerful platter is sure to brighten any party table and bring smiles to your guests' faces.
Recipe FAQs
- → What can be used as the base for the platter?
A large sugar cookie (8–10 inches) or a round rice cake works well as the base for this centerpiece.
- → How is the straw hair effect created?
Shredded coconut is tinted yellow using food coloring and arranged along the top and sides to resemble straw hair.
- → Are there nut-free options available?
Yes, simply omit the peanut butter from the frosting for a nut-free variation.
- → Can the frosting flavor be changed?
Absolutely, try chocolate or maple frosting to add different flavors to the platter.
- → How to create the scarecrow’s eyes and nose?
Chocolate chips or candies make the eyes, sometimes with marshmallow slices for size, and orange jelly beans or M&Ms form a triangle nose.
- → What tools are needed for assembly?
A large serving platter, spatula or offset knife, small bowls for candy sorting, and kitchen scissors for cutting licorice help with decorating.