Introduction: As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to indulge in the festive flavors that bring joy and warmth to our hearts. One such flavor that captures the essence of the season is peppermint. With its refreshing taste and nostalgic aroma, peppermint adds a delightful twist to traditional holiday treats. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of festive peppermint treats that are not only delicious but also lots of fun to make and share with loved ones.
Peppermint Bark: Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that combines the rich sweetness of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. To make peppermint bark, simply melt dark or milk chocolate and spread it evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate and allow it to harden before breaking it into pieces. The result is a decadent and festive treat that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Warm up on a cold winter’s day with a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate. Simply prepare your favorite hot chocolate recipe and add a splash of peppermint extract for an extra burst of flavor. Top it off with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect indulgence to enjoy by the fireplace or while watching holiday movies with loved ones.
Candy Cane Cookies: Candy cane cookies are a whimsical and festive addition to any holiday cookie platter. To make candy cane cookies, prepare a basic sugar cookie dough and divide it in half. Add red food coloring to one half of the dough and roll both halves into ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together to form candy cane shapes and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
Peppermint Marshmallows: Upgrade your hot cocoa game with homemade peppermint marshmallows. To make peppermint marshmallows, combine gelatin with water and allow it to bloom. In a saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, and water until it reaches the soft-ball stage. Pour the hot syrup over the bloomed gelatin and beat until fluffy. Add peppermint extract and pour the mixture into a greased pan to set. Once set, cut the marshmallows into squares and dust with powdered sugar. These fluffy, peppermint-flavored marshmallows are perfect for dunking into hot cocoa or enjoying on their own.
Peppermint Brownies: Elevate your brownie game with the addition of peppermint flavor. Prepare your favorite brownie recipe and add crushed peppermint candies to the batter before baking. Once cooled, drizzle the brownies with melted chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish. These decadent peppermint brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties and gatherings.
Peppermint Cheesecake: Impress your guests with a show-stopping peppermint cheesecake that combines creamy cheesecake filling with a chocolate cookie crust and a peppermint swirl. To make peppermint cheesecake, prepare a chocolate cookie crust and pour in the cheesecake filling. Swirl in a peppermint extract and red food coloring mixture for a festive touch. Bake until set, then chill until firm. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes before serving for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Peppermint Meringue Kisses: Light and airy peppermint meringue kisses are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. To make peppermint meringue kisses, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar and peppermint extract. Pipe the meringue mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake until crisp. Once cooled, dip the bottoms of the meringues into melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish. These sweet and minty treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a light dessert after a holiday meal.
Peppermint Ice Cream: Cool off during the holiday season with homemade peppermint ice cream. Prepare a classic vanilla ice cream base and add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a refreshing twist. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy, then transfer to a freezer-safe container to firm up. Serve scoops of peppermint ice cream in bowls or cones for a cool and festive treat that’s sure to delight.
Peppermint Pretzel Bites: Satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with peppermint pretzel bites. Dip pretzel twists into melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the chocolate sets. Allow the pretzel bites to cool and harden before serving. These addictive treats are perfect for snacking on during holiday gatherings or packaging up as homemade gifts for friends and family.
Peppermint Oreo Truffles: Indulge in decadent peppermint Oreo truffles that are rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix with softened cream cheese and peppermint extract until well combined. Roll the mixture into balls and dip them in melted chocolate before setting them on a baking sheet to firm up. Once set, drizzle the truffles with more melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying as a sweet indulgence.
Conclusion: Celebrate the holiday season in style with these festive peppermint treats that are both delicious and lots of fun to make. From classic favorites like peppermint bark and candy cane cookies to creative creations like peppermint marshmallows and Oreo truffles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and get ready to spread joy and cheer with these delightful peppermint treats that capture the magic of the season.