Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the festive spirit of the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! These peppermint Christmas treats are the ultimate sweet indulgence that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the rich, creamy white chocolate paired with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candies—it’s simply heavenly! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished holiday staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive peppermint Christmas treats:

1 cup crushed peppermint candies
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients are simple yet create such a delightful combination! You can usually find everything at your local grocery store—just look for those vibrant peppermint candies that scream holiday cheer!

How to Prepare Peppermint Christmas Treats

Let’s dive into the delightful process of making these peppermint Christmas treats! You’ll see just how simple and satisfying it is to create this festive dessert. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Crush the Peppermint Candies

First things first, you need to crush those peppermint candies! I like to put them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to smash them into small pieces. It’s super satisfying to hear the crunch! If you have a food processor, that works like a charm, too. Just pulse them until they’re crushed but not completely powdered—some texture is lovely!

Step 2: Heat the Heavy Cream

Next, grab a saucepan and pour in your heavy cream. Heat it over medium heat and keep an eye on it! You want it to simmer gently, not boil. If it boils, it can scald, which is a bummer. Stir it occasionally, and you’ll start to smell that creamy goodness wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

Once your cream is simmering, remove it from the heat and add in the white chocolate chips. Stir them in slowly, and watch as they melt into the creamy mixture. If it seems like the chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, you can pop it back on the heat for just a moment, stirring constantly. You want a silky texture—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the peppermint extract and salt, mixing thoroughly. This is where the magic happens—the combination of flavors will make your taste buds sing with joy! Make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Pour this luscious mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Don’t be shy; get every last drop in there! Now, sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies on top. This adds such a festive touch! Pop it in the fridge and let it chill for about 2 hours, until it’s set. You’ll be tempted to sneak a taste, but trust me, waiting is worth it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s set, take it out of the fridge and cut it into squares. I find a sharp knife works best for clean cuts. You can serve these delightful squares on a festive plate, and watch as everyone digs in! They’re perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings on the couch. Enjoy every minty bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy the holiday cheer!
Festive Flavor: The combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint is like a holiday celebration in every bite!
Perfect for Sharing: These treats are ideal for holiday parties, and everyone loves a sweet gift—just cut them into squares and share the joy!
Customizable: Want to jazz them up? Feel free to add festive sprinkles or drizzle some chocolate on top for an extra special touch!
Make Ahead: You can prepare these a few days in advance, so they’re ready to go when your holiday festivities kick off!
Crowd-Pleaser: I promise, these peppermint Christmas treats will be a hit with kids and adults alike; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Tips for Success

To make sure your peppermint Christmas treats turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! These little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your treat-making game and leave everyone begging for more!

Ensure the Chocolate Fully Melts: When melting your white chocolate, take your time! If you rush it, you might end up with a lumpy mess. Stir slowly and patiently until it’s completely smooth and creamy—this is key for that luscious texture!
Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: Nothing beats the vibrant flavor of fresh peppermint candies! Check the expiration date, and if you can, buy them from a store with a good turnover. The fresher the candy, the more intense the peppermint flavor will be!
Chill in a Shallow Dish: When pouring the mixture into your baking dish, opt for a shallow one. This helps it chill faster and sets more evenly. Plus, it makes cutting into neat squares a breeze!
Decorate with Flair: Give your treats a festive finish by drizzling melted chocolate on top or adding some colorful sprinkles. It’s such an easy way to make them even more eye-catching and fun for the holiday season!
Don’t Skip the Salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and peppermint. It may seem small, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. Just a pinch goes a long way!
Keep an Eye on the Chilling Time: While it’s tempting to cut into your treats too soon, patience is a virtue here! Make sure they chill for the full 2 hours to achieve that perfect set. You’ll be rewarded with clean cuts and a delightful bite!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious peppermint Christmas treats ever. Happy cooking, and enjoy the festive spirit!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! I know it’s tempting to dive into the deliciousness without thinking about the nutritional side, but it’s good to be aware, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each piece of these delightful peppermint Christmas treats:

Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Cholesterol: 10mg
Fiber: 0g

These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. So, enjoy these festive treats in moderation, share with friends, and savor every minty, chocolatey bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to swap it in. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be richer and slightly less sweet, which can be a delightful twist! The texture might also be a bit firmer compared to the creamy white chocolate, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to melt it gently, as dark chocolate can seize up more easily than white. Enjoy experimenting!

How long can I store these peppermint treats?

You can store these peppermint Christmas treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you have a lot, so they don’t stick together. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month! Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving. Trust me, they’ll still taste fabulous!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can! To make these peppermint treats vegan, simply substitute the white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and still give you that creamy texture. For the heavy cream, opt for a full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure they’re dairy-free. With these swaps, you’ll have a festive vegan treat that everyone can enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made these delicious peppermint Christmas treats, and now you want to keep them fresh for later. First off, the best way to store them is in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and preserves that lovely minty flavor. If you’re stacking the squares, I recommend placing a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to a week—perfect for sneaking a treat after dinner!

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze these treats! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold up well for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat; they’re best served chilled, allowing that refreshing peppermint flavor to shine through. Trust me, they’ll still taste just as delightful as when you first made them!

Peppermint Christmas Treats: 6 Steps to Sweet Joy

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 20 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive peppermint treat perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup crushed peppermint candies
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Crush the peppermint candies and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
Remove from heat and add white chocolate chips, stirring until melted.
Add peppermint extract and salt, mixing well.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.
Refrigerate for 2 hours until set.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Can be made a few days in advance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: peppermint, christmas, dessert, holiday treats

Spread the love