Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams are the perfect festive treat to spread joy during the holiday season. These delightful peppermint bites offer a refreshing twist on traditional sweets, making them ideal for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging at home. With their smooth creaminess and rich chocolate coating, these easy-to-make peppermint creams will surely become a favorite in your holiday repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cream and peppermint creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of Christmas.
- Versatile Treats: Enjoy these peppermint creams as snacks, dessert table additions, or charming homemade gifts.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves peppermint during the holidays! These bites will impress friends and family alike.
- Customizable: Adjust the peppermint extract to suit your taste, making these treats as minty as you desire.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin creating your Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is crucial for effectively combining all the ingredients without spilling.
- Rubber spatula: This tool helps mix the ingredients thoroughly and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Baking tray: Use a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup after chilling your peppermint creams.
Ingredients
For the Peppermint Creams
- 400g powdered sugar, sifted, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk
- 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract, to taste
- 100g dark chocolate chunks
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Start by lining your baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the peppermint creams once they’re set.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. 400g of sifted powdered sugar.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of condensed milk.
3. Pour in 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract (adjust as per your preference).
Use a rubber spatula to mix everything until it forms a smooth dough.
Step 3: Shape the Mixture
Once combined:
1. Dust your hands with some powdered sugar.
2. Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls or flatten them into discs. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate the shaped peppermint creams for about 10 minutes to firm them up.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate
While they chill:
1. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt 100g of dark chocolate chunks until smooth.
2. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 6: Coat with Chocolate
Remove the chilled peppermint creams from the fridge:
1. Dip each piece into melted chocolate using a fork.
2. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.
Step 7: Final Touches
Sprinkle any remaining powdered sugar on top while the chocolate is still wet for an added festive touch. Return to the refrigerator until set.
Enjoy your Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams with family and friends!
How to Serve Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams make a delightful holiday treat. They can be served in various ways to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Individual Treats
- Serve each peppermint cream in a small paper cup for an elegant touch. This presentation makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Dessert Platters
- Arrange the peppermint creams on a festive dessert platter. Add some seasonal fruits or nuts for contrast and extra flavor.
Gift Boxes
- Package the peppermint creams in beautiful gift boxes. They make great homemade gifts that friends and family will appreciate during the holidays.
Hot Cocoa Pairing
- Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate drink complements the minty flavor of the creams perfectly.
How to Perfect Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams, consider these helpful tips.
- Sift powdered sugar: This ensures there are no lumps, giving your creams a smooth consistency.
- Adjust peppermint extract: Start with 1 teaspoon and increase to taste, as some prefer a stronger mint flavor.
- Chill before dipping: Refrigerating the creams for about 10 minutes before dipping in chocolate helps them hold their shape better.
- Use high-quality chocolate: For dipping, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for richer flavor.
- Sprinkle immediately: If you’re adding extra powdered sugar or toppings, do so right after dipping while the chocolate is still wet.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
These Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These spicy cookies offer a nice contrast to the cool peppermint flavors.
- Fruitcake Bites: The fruity sweetness of fruitcake complements the minty freshness of the creams beautifully.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruit or marshmallows in chocolate fondue alongside your peppermint treats for extra indulgence.
- Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts with spices adds crunch and balances the creamy sweetness of the peppermint creams.
- Christmas Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brightens up your dessert table.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Serve mini cheesecakes to provide a rich texture that pairs well with the light peppermint flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Stir just until combined for the best results.
- Using low-quality peppermint extract: A poor-quality extract can ruin the flavor. Opt for pure peppermint extract for a stronger, fresher taste.
- Neglecting to sift powdered sugar: Not sifting can result in clumps in your mixture. Always sift before measuring to create a smooth consistency.
- Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the mixture may prevent it from setting properly. Allow it to rest in the fridge before shaping.
- Not tempering chocolate: Melting chocolate improperly can cause it to seize. Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts for best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place on a baking sheet for a few minutes until slightly warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10 seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid melting too much.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler over low heat. Stir gently until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams?
To make these treats, combine powdered sugar, condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Shape them into bites and dip in melted chocolate.
Can I customize my Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams?
Absolutely! You can add crushed candy canes or use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a unique twist.
How long do Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams last?
When stored properly, they will keep up to one week in the refrigerator and three months if frozen.
What should I do if my mixture is too dry?
If your mixture feels dry, add a touch more condensed milk or peppermint extract until you achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams are not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different extracts or toppings. Try making these treats this holiday season; they are sure to impress friends and family alike!
Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Easy Christmas Peppermint Creams are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly balances creamy sweetness with refreshing peppermint flavor. These festive bites are simple to make and only take 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or as charming gifts. Coated in rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar, these peppermint delights will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy them during the holiday season, whether as a snack, dessert table addition, or delightful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 400g powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk
- 1–2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 100g dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
- Dust your hands with powdered sugar and shape the mixture into small balls or discs. Place on the prepared tray.
- Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Dip each peppermint cream into the melted chocolate using a fork, allowing excess to drip off before placing back on the tray.
- Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar while the chocolate is still wet and refrigerate until set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For a stronger mint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to taste. Add crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.