Name: Doughnut-Hole Croquembouche
Yield: Makes 1 croquembouche
Ingredients: About 70 doughnut holes of any flavor; Assorted candy decorations such as M&M's, Red Hots, licorice balls, and silver dragées; 1/4 cup corn syrup with 1 teaspoon water stirred in; Purchased or homemade chocolate or caramel sauce (optional); Clear tape, 18-inch-tall Styrofoam cone (available at floral shops and craft stores), waxed or parchment paper or aluminum foil in color similar to doughnuts, cake-decorating turntable (optional), about 70 toothpicks, thimble, cloth leaves (available at floral shops and craft stores)

Image may contain Food Confectionery Sweets Cream Dessert Cake Icing Creme Dish Meal and Platter

Doughnut-Hole CroquemboucheJudy Moy

This kid-friendly version of a classic French Christmas treat subs doughnut holes for the traditional cream puffs. They're attached to a Styrofoam base to form a tall cone, which can then be decorated with candy or artificial leaves bought at craft stores.

Cooks' Note

Test-kitchen tip: Shredded coconut on a platter around the croquembouche can give the feeling of snow. For a healthier option, substitute round cherry tomatoes or cherries for the doughnut holes.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

79 Christmas Desserts Full of Merriment (and Buttercream)
Let these cakes, puddings, pies, and tarts put the joy into your Christmas festivities.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Black Bean Bolognese

Rich and funky black bean garlic sauce, a pantry favorite in Chinese cuisine, provides depth and flavor to this weeknight riff on ragù Bolognese.

Recipe notes

79 Christmas Desserts Full of Merriment (and Buttercream)