Stargazers Dessert Platter

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This celestial-themed assortment showcases lemon star-shaped shortbread cookies, creamy galaxy mousse cups tinted in blue and purple, and rich chocolate comet truffles dusted with cocoa and shimmer. Perfect for parties or nights under the stars, prepare the shortbread with zesty lemon and buttery dough, whip up smooth mousse with dark chocolate and cream, and create truffles with cocoa-coated chocolate ganache. The platter combines textures and flavors for a magical dessert experience that can be chilled or served immediately.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Golden star-shaped lemon shortbread alongside vibrant galaxy mousse cups make up this Stargazers Dessert Platter. Pin It
Golden star-shaped lemon shortbread alongside vibrant galaxy mousse cups make up this Stargazers Dessert Platter. | cedaroven.com

An enchanting assortment of celestial-themed mini desserts, perfect for parties or special nights under the stars. This platter features star-shaped lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles.

This platter brings a magical touch to any gathering and showcases a variety of textures and flavors that impress every guest.

Ingredients

  • Lemon Star Shortbread: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Galaxy Mousse Cups: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate, chopped, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, blue and purple food coloring, edible gold stars (optional)
  • Chocolate Comet Truffles: 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (20 g) cocoa powder, edible shimmer dust (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Star Shortbread:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy Mix in lemon zest and salt Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness Cut out star shapes with a cookie cutter Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden Cool completely
Make the Galaxy Mousse Cups:
Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water Cool slightly Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form Fold melted chocolate into whipped cream gently Divide mousse into two bowls Add blue food coloring to one purple to the other Layer spoonfuls of colored mousse into mini dessert cups Swirl gently for a galaxy effect Chill at least 1 hour Top with edible gold stars if desired
Prepare the Chocolate Comet Truffles:
Heat cream and butter in a saucepan until simmering Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes Stir until smooth Chill mixture 1 hour until firm Scoop and roll into small balls Dust with cocoa powder and shimmer dust
Arrange and Serve:
Arrange the star shortbread galaxy mousse cups and comet truffles on a large platter Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy
Pin It
| cedaroven.com

This dessert platter has created many sweet family memories especially during star-gazing nights and festive celebrations.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer Saucepan Star-shaped cookie cutter Baking sheet Parchment paper Mini dessert cups or shot glasses Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter cream chocolate) gluten (wheat flour) May contain soy (in chocolate) Always check product labels for possible nut or soy traces

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 4 g per serving

A beautifully arranged Stargazers Dessert Platter features shimmering comet truffles and colorful miniature desserts for a party. Pin It
A beautifully arranged Stargazers Dessert Platter features shimmering comet truffles and colorful miniature desserts for a party. | cedaroven.com

This dessert platter makes any occasion feel truly magical and spectacular.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the star shapes for the shortbread?

Roll the lemon shortbread dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use a star-shaped cookie cutter for precise shapes before baking.

What gives the galaxy mousse its vibrant colors?

Blue and purple food coloring is gently folded into the whipped chocolate mousse to create the cosmic effect.

Can the chocolate comet truffles be made ahead?

Yes, after chilling the chocolate ganache mixture for an hour, shape and coat the truffles; store them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Are there any alternatives for dairy ingredients?

Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can be used to create vegan-friendly versions of the shortbread and mousse components.

How should I arrange the platter for best presentation?

Arrange the star shortbread, mousse cups, and comet truffles evenly on a large platter, balancing colors and shapes for an eye-catching display.

Is edible shimmer dust necessary for the truffles?

Shimmer dust adds a sparkling finish but is optional; the truffles remain delicious without it.

Stargazers Dessert Platter

An enchanting selection featuring star-shaped cookies, colorful mousse, and chocolate truffles for festive gatherings.

Prep Time
40 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine International

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Lemon Star Shortbread

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 Zest of 1 lemon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Galaxy Mousse Cups

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Blue and purple food coloring
06 Edible gold stars (optional)

Chocolate Comet Truffles

01 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
02 1/4 cup heavy cream
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 1/4 cup cocoa powder
05 Edible shimmer dust (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare the Lemon Star Shortbread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness, cut star shapes using a cookie cutter. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges turn lightly golden. Cool completely.

Step 02

Make the Galaxy Mousse Cups: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water and allow to cool slightly. Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream. Divide mixture into two portions; add blue food coloring to one, purple to the other. Layer spoonfuls of each color alternately into mini dessert cups and swirl gently for a galaxy effect. Chill for at least one hour. Optionally, top with edible gold stars.

Step 03

Prepare the Chocolate Comet Truffles: Heat heavy cream and butter in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let stand for two minutes. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate for one hour until firm. Scoop and roll into small balls. Dust with cocoa powder and optionally shimmer dust.

Step 04

Assemble the Dessert Platter: Arrange the cooled lemon star shortbread, chilled galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles on a large serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mini dessert cups or shot glasses
  • Spatula

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and may contain soy. Check for traces of nuts and soy in products.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 420
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 4 g