7 Peppermint Treats To Make This Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delightful aromas of festive treats. Among the many flavors of Christmas, peppermint stands out as a refreshing and invigorating favorite. Whether you're a fan of candy canes, peppermint bark, or peppermint mochas, there's no denying the allure of this cooling flavor during the winter months. In this article, we'll explore 7 peppermint treats to make this Christmas, from classic cookies to show-stopping desserts.

The Magic of Peppermint

Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a moment to appreciate the magic of peppermint. This hardy perennial herb has been used for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and even spiritual properties. Peppermint's invigorating aroma is known to stimulate digestion, relieve nausea, and even boost energy levels. In the context of Christmas treats, peppermint adds a delightful twist to traditional flavors, cutting through the richness of chocolate and sugar with its refreshing zing.

Peppermint Treat 1: Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies get a festive twist with the addition of crushed candy canes and peppermint extract. The result is a crunchy, sweet, and refreshing treat that's perfect for decorating the Christmas tree or snacking on while watching holiday movies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in the crushed candy canes.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Peppermint Treat 2: Peppermint Bark Brownies

These rich and fudgy brownies get a boost of peppermint flavor from melted chocolate and crushed candy canes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and refreshing your senses.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and topping with crushed candy canes.

Peppermint Treat 3: Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

These decadent cupcakes combine the richness of chocolate and coffee with the invigorating flavor of peppermint. Perfect for a festive holiday party or gift exchange.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and peppermint extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in the brewed coffee and melted chocolate chips, stirring until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with a peppermint-infused buttercream and topping with crushed candy canes.

Peppermint Treat 4: Peppermint Fudge

This classic peppermint fudge recipe is a staple of holiday treat-making. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you'll have a batch of creamy, dreamy fudge to share with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 235°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and melted chocolate chips.
5. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
6. Allow the fudge to cool and set at room temperature before cutting into squares and topping with crushed candy canes.

Peppermint Treat 5: Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches

These refreshing ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat for a holiday party or gathering. With a crunchy chocolate cookie exterior and a creamy peppermint ice cream interior, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup peppermint ice cream
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before sandwiching a scoop of peppermint ice cream between two cookies and topping with crushed candy canes.

Peppermint Treat 6: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy cookies combine the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint with a crunchy candy cane topping. Perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or gift.

Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Peppermint Treat 7: Peppermint Brownie Truffles

These bite-sized brownie truffles are infused with the invigorating flavor of peppermint and topped with a crunchy candy cane coating. Perfect for a holiday party or gift exchange.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a lined 8-inch square baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and rolling into balls.
9. Dip each ball into melted chocolate and top with crushed candy canes.

Get Creative with Peppermint

As you can see, peppermint is a versatile flavor that can be used in a variety of sweet treats. Whether you're making classic cookies, decadent brownies, or refreshing ice cream sandwiches, peppermint is sure to add a unique twist to your holiday baking.

So, which peppermint treat will you be making this Christmas? Share your favorite recipe in the comments below and don't forget to tag us in your holiday baking creations!

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