As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season fills the air, I find myself yearning for those sweet moments that bring warmth and joy. One of my favorite traditions is making quick Christmas peppermint creams that transform simple ingredients into delightful treats. The first time I whipped up a batch, the fresh, minty aroma wafted through my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits.
These peppermint creams are not only a breeze to make but are also perfect for gift-giving, adding a personal touch to your holiday treats. With just a handful of ingredients—condensed milk, peppermint extract, and dark chocolate—you can create a crowd-pleaser that rivals any store-bought candy. Picture this: snap a piece of the cool, creamy confection as the rich chocolate melts in your mouth, and you’ll feel like you’ve unwrapped a little bit of festive magic.
So, grab your rolling pin and let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises to make your holidays a tad sweeter and a lot more memorable!
Why are Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams a must-try?
Simplicity: These peppermint creams require minimal effort with easy-to-find ingredients, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Festive Flavor: The delightful combination of peppermint extract and rich dark chocolate creates an irresistible treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Versatile: Whether enjoyed at home, gifted to loved ones, or served at holiday parties, they’ll charm everyone.
Quick Treats: With a short prep time and just 10 minutes for cooling, you’ll have festive sweets ready in no time!
Crowd-Pleaser: Once you serve these, expect a flurry of compliments and requests for the recipe, effectively becoming the star of your holiday gatherings!
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams Ingredients
For the Creams
• Condensed milk – adds a creamy texture to the peppermint base.
• Peppermint extract – the key flavor that gives these treats their classic minty zing.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens and helps achieve that perfect stiff paste consistency.
For the Chocolate Drizzle
• Dark chocolate chunks – provides a luxurious coating that complements the peppermint sweetness.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams!
How to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, condensed milk, peppermint extract, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until you achieve a stiff paste, ensuring everything is well-blended.
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Adjust Consistency: If your mixture feels too dry, add more water, one teaspoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too runny, mix in extra powdered sugar until you reach a perfect, moldable texture.
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Roll Out Paste: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll the peppermint paste out to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick, creating an even layer for cutting.
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Cut Shapes: Dip a 4 cm (1.5 inch) diameter cutter into powdered sugar. Use it to stamp out 24 rounds from the rolled paste, ensuring each piece is neatly formed.
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Dry Rounds: Carefully place the rounds on a parchment-lined tray. Allow them to dry slightly at room temperature; this will help with the chocolate adherence later.
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Melt Chocolate: In a heat-proof bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate. Stir occasionally until smooth, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Pipe Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate into a piping bag fitted with a small, plain nozzle. Pipe a zig-zag pattern over the dried peppermint rounds, adding a beautiful finish.
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Chill Treats: Place the decorated rounds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set, giving your peppermint creams that perfect finish.
Optional: Decorate with festive sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday cheer!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit while saving time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the peppermint mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps of mixing and rolling, then cover the cut rounds with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps them stay fresh and prevents drying out. When you’re ready to finish, just take them out, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, and then proceed with melting and decorating the chocolate. You’ll have beautiful, delicious peppermint creams that taste just as delightful as if made fresh, making your holiday preparations stress-free!
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams Variations
Embrace your creativity and personalize these peppermint creams to match your taste and dietary preferences!
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Vegan: Substitute condensed milk with coconut cream or a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative for a delicious plant-based version.
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Flavor Burst: Add a hint of vanilla extract alongside the peppermint for a warm, comforting undertone that perfectly complements the mint.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios into the paste for a delightful crunch that adds texture and richness.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the chocolate drizzle for a surprising twist that elevates the flavor profile.
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Dairy-Free Chocolate: Use dairy-free chocolate chips or a dark chocolate that specifically states it’s dairy-free for a comparable indulgent experience.
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Colorful Coating: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle colorful holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top for a festive, eye-catching finish.
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Liqueur Infusion: For an adult twist, incorporate a splash of peppermint liqueur into the cream mixture for a bit of cheer.
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Mini Treats: Roll smaller bite-sized balls instead of rounds for cute, poppable treats that make for an adorable presentation.
Let your imagination soar as you create variations that bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations!
How to Store and Freeze Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Room Temperature: Store your peppermint creams in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can stay good for up to 1 week, just make sure they’re placed in an airtight container.
Freezer: To freeze, layer the peppermint creams between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months and are ideal for holiday make-ahead treats.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen them, thaw the peppermint creams in the fridge before serving. Enjoy them chilled or let them come to room temperature for the best flavor!
What to Serve with Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams?
The sweetness and cooling minty flavor of these creamy delights create the perfect pairing for cozy holiday gatherings.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor enhance the peppermint’s freshness. Sip it slowly while savoring the treats!
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Chai Latte: This spiced beverage brings warmth and a hint of spice that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the peppermint creams.
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Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy flavor and soft texture provide a delicious bite alongside the refreshing peppermint, creating a festive flavor harmony.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Bright, juicy berries and sweet citrus fruits offer a refreshing balance to the rich creaminess, elevating the dessert experience.
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Peppermint Tea: A warm cup of this soothing tea echoes the flavors of the creams, making it a perfect cozy companion for holiday nights.
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Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti: The crunchy texture and rich chocolate amalgamate sweetly with the peppermint, adding a delightful crust to your festive dessert table.
Embrace the festive spirit and create an irresistible dessert spread with these pairings that will captivate your guests!
Expert Tips for Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
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Achieving Perfect Consistency: Start with the right amount of powdered sugar. If the mixture is too thick, add water gradually; if too runny, dust in more sugar for ideal firmness.
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Avoid Sticking: Dust your workspace with enough powdered sugar when rolling out the peppermint paste. This prevents it from sticking and helps you cut neat shapes.
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Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler method for melting dark chocolate. This ensures even melting and prevents the chocolate from seizing, creating a smooth drizzle.
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Shape Variations: Feel free to use different cutters to create fun shapes like stars or hearts, adding an extra festive flair to your Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams.
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Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow peppermint rounds to dry slightly before adding chocolate for better adherence and a beautiful finish.
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams Recipe FAQs
Which type of peppermint extract should I use?
Using pure peppermint extract is the best option for creating a strong, authentic flavor. Avoid using imitation extracts, as they tend to have a less intense taste that might not capture the holiday spirit as well. For a unique twist, you can experiment with peppermint oil, but be sure to use it sparingly since it’s much more concentrated.
How should I store the peppermint creams?
Absolutely! The best way to store your peppermint creams is in an airtight container. At room temperature, they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they can last for about a week. Just ensure they’re enclosed well to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Can I freeze peppermint creams, and how do I do it properly?
Yes, you can freeze your peppermint creams! Start by laying them out on a parchment-lined tray and placing them in the freezer until they are firm. Once firm, stack the peppermint creams with layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best taste and texture!
What if my peppermint cream mixture is too dry?
If you find your mixture is too dry, no worries! Simply add water a teaspoon at a time while stirring. It’s essential to mix thoroughly until the paste is manageable. If it’s still dry after that, you can also add sifted powdered sugar for a smoother texture. The key is to achieve that perfect stiff paste that holds its shape!
Are these peppermint creams safe for pets or people with allergies?
While peppermint shouldn’t pose a significant risk to pets, it’s wise to keep them away from any sweet treats, including chocolate, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you have allergies, be cautious with the ingredients—especially confirming that the chocolate you choose is nut-free or dairy-free if needed. Always read labels or consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure!
Irresistibly Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, condensed milk, peppermint extract, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until achieving a stiff paste.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add more water, one teaspoon at a time. If too runny, mix in extra powdered sugar.
- Dust your work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar. Roll the peppermint paste out to about 0.5 cm thick.
- Dip a 4 cm diameter cutter into powdered sugar. Stamp out 24 rounds from the rolled paste.
- Place the rounds on a parchment-lined tray and allow to dry slightly at room temperature.
- Melt dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate into a piping bag and pipe a zig-zag pattern over the dried peppermint rounds.
- Chill the decorated rounds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.