Peppermint Recipes to Celebrate the Festive Season

When thinking of the festive flavors of the season, chances are high that peppermint is top of mind. And no wonder: it is sweet and spicy at the same time, versatile, a common addition in all things sweet and the classic flavor of candy canes. Get into the spirit with these recipe ideas, which are sure to please both peppermint fanatics and those who have a bit of a sweet tooth alike.

Recipe 1: Peppermint Bark

As fun to give as it is to eat, this colorful and pretty peppermint bark only calls for chopped white and semisweet chocolate, peppermint extract and candy canes (about a whole package). Note that peppermint extract can be subbed for almond and crushed nuts can be added to tie it all together. Make sure to refrigerate the bark for 20 minutes or freeze for 10 to get it to harden. For an easy gift idea, put a few pieces in a bag and tie it with a ribbon.

Recipe 2: Chocolate Peppermint Bread

This bread is not overly sweet, so it is an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. Sugar, eggs, flour, sour cream, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and chocolate chips make up the bread, but it is the glaze where the ingredients really get a chance to shine. Chocolate chips, whipping cream, butter, peppermint extract and candy canes are drizzled over the top for the ultimate bite. Mini loaves make nice gifts as well. Notice a pattern here?

Recipe 3: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bombs

Candy disks are the secret to these being fuss-free and smooth in appearance. Hot cocoa bombs have been all the rage these last couple years, and for good reason. They make a glass of hot milk more fun, and watching the chocolate ooze is a sight to be seen. To make them, gather white chocolate candy melts, red candy melts, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows (mini preferred) and crushed peppermint candies (look for the ones sold at drugstores). Melt the chocolate and place it in a mold. Freeze. Fill with marshmallows, peppermints, hot cocoa, and, if desired, sprinkles. Form the other side of the chocolate bomb and place it on top of the half-full confection. Drizzle with the red candy melt mixture and crushed candy. Dissolve into your milk and choice and drink up this sweet beverage.

Recipe 4: Homemade Candy Canes

Sugar, corn syrup, water, food coloring and peppermint extract are all you need to make the classic holiday dessert. Heat up the sugar, use heat-resistant gloves to shape it and then repeat with the other layer before twisting them together and letting them set. Important. Grease the gloves and a baking pan so they candy will not stick and break to it!

Recipe 5: Peppermint Ice Cream

This creamy frozen dessert rivals what one can find at the store. Hope you have a food processor and ice cream maker handy! Candy canes, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla and peppermint extract are churned to make an irresistible treat. Top with extra candy canes and whipped cream and you have a winner! Important: make sure to use pure peppermint extract, not pure mint extract for that true peppermint flavor.

Recipe 6: Easy and Refreshing Mint Tea

Water, mint leaves, honey, ice, lemon juice and lemon slices make for a warm and refreshing tea. Mint can be varied, but the trick is to make sure it is fresh. Add sugar or honey, if desired, or leave it unsweetened with a squeeze of lemon. This tea is customizable and even works as a light beverage before bed – it will not keep you up at night!

Recipe 7: Peppermint Patties Recipe

Easy to make, these peppermint patties have a creamy filling and lovely dark chocolate exterior. 1 or 1.5-inch cookie cutters are ideal. Freeze them before cutting out the chocolate to get a perfectly rounded shape. Combine sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and peppermint extracts into a thick layer on parchment paper. Cut out and freeze. Melt the chocolate and shortening and use a fork to dip the patties into the chocolate. Top immediately with sprinkles. Let cool and then set them in the fridge. Like some of the recipes above, these also make great gifts. Who knew you could make these yourself?

Recipe 8: Peppermint Creams

Egg whites, powdered sugar, green food coloring, dark chocolate and peppermint extract make these tasty peppermint creams, which are like an easier peppermint patty. Form the mint mixture, roll it into balls, flatten them with a fork and then melt the chocolate for dipping. Transfer to a wire rack to set. These are popular in the UK and Australia, so they have a bit of international flair. For a pastel assortment, add orange, red and orange food coloring to the mix as well. These smooth candies make ideal after dinner treats.

Recipe 9: Chocolate-Peppermint Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is a coated cereal mix with can be made to fit the eater. It is the right mix to snack on or give around the holidays, and can even be mixed into popcorn. Rice cereal squares, chocolate chips, butter and crushed candy canes, plus powdered sugar, make an addictive and sweet party staple. Store the chow in an airtight container. Scoop equal servings into bags to gift loved ones, and enjoy the rest!

Recipe 10: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

These chewy chocolate cookies are best when warm and fresh from the oven. Topped with creamy peppermint frosting and a handful of candy canes, these are ideal when served with a glass of cold milk, or when sandwiched between even more frosting. It is peppermint overload, in the best way possible.

Recipe 11: Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

White chocolate, peppermint extract, white chocolate and vanilla extract are added to your dairy milk or plant-based mylk of choice. Warm up the milk, mix in the additives and then top off your mug with more crushed candy, marshmallows and a generous squirt of whipped cream.

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