13 Refreshing Peppermint Recipes That Spark Holiday Joy

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The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in the zesty, invigorating taste of peppermint. From classic desserts to unique twists, these 13 peppermint recipes are sure to spread joy and delight during your celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a cozy treat at home, these recipes will fill your space with holiday cheer and delicious aromas.

1. Peppermint Bark

Crunchy, chocolatey goodness!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. Melt dark chocolate and spread evenly on a parchment-lined pan.
2. Let it cool, then melt white chocolate, spread it on top, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
3. Chill until firm, then break into pieces.

Make it Unique:
Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate.

2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Warm up with this delightful drink!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Whipped cream for topping

Process:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and mix in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat, stir in peppermint extract, and pour into a mug.
3. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:
Add a shot of espresso for a peppermint mocha twist.

3. Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Light as a cloud!

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Pinch of salt
• Peppermint sprinkles

Process:

1. Whip egg whites and salt until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar.
2. Beat until stiff peaks form, and stir in peppermint extract.
3. Pipe onto a baking sheet and top with sprinkles, then bake until crisp.

Make it Unique:
Add food coloring for a fun twist or dip half in chocolate.

4. Peppermint Cupcakes

A sweet treat that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Frosting of choice

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin.
2. Mix dry ingredients, then add milk and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes. Frost after cooling.

Make it Unique:
Use chocolate frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

5. Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Classic and festive!

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp peppermint extract

Process:

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and peppermint, mixing well.
2. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and powder. Chill dough for one hour.
3. Roll out, cut shapes, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add a bit of almond extract for added flavor or dip in chocolate.

6. Peppermint Fudge

Decadent and dreamy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Process:

1. In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips with condensed milk over low heat.
2. Stir in peppermint extract until fully combined.
3. Pour into a lined pan, top with candy canes, and chill until set.

Make it Unique:
Add a pinch of sea salt or try using white chocolate chips instead.

7. Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Creamy and delightful!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Process:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a baking dish.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs and peppermint, and pour over crust.
3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes. Chill before slicing.

Make it Unique:
Add a chocolate drizzle on top or mix in mini chocolate chips.

8. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

A twist on a classic!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed peppermint

Process:

1. Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
2. Gradually stir in flour and baking soda, then mix in chocolate chips and peppermint.
3. Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Try white chocolate chips instead of dark or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

9. Peppermint Smoothie

Healthy and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Ice cubes

Process:

1. In a blender, combine banana, milk, yogurt, and peppermint extract.
2. Blend until smooth, then add ice and blend again until frosty.
3. Serve chilled with a peppermint stick.

Make it Unique:
Add protein powder for an extra boost or top with whipped cream.

10. Peppermint Pudding Parfaits

An easy, layered delight!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 pkg chocolate pudding mix
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed cookies for layering
• Whipped cream for topping

Process:

1. Prepare pudding according to package instructions, adding peppermint extract.
2. In cups, layer pudding and crushed cookies.
3. Top with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:
Use vanilla pudding instead or add layers of fruit.

11. Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies

A sweet surprise in each bite!

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Process:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light, then add eggs and peppermint.
2. Stir in flour and white chocolate chips.
3. Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add crushed nuts for extra crunch or drizzle with dark chocolate.

12. Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats

A fun, chewy snack!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups rice cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed peppermint for topping

Process:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, add marshmallows, and stir until melted.
2. Mix in peppermint extract, then fold in rice cereal until combined.
3. Press into a greased pan, top with crushed peppermint, and cool.

Make it Unique:
Shape into fun holiday molds or drizzle with chocolate.

13. Peppermint Chocolate Truffles

Decadently delicious!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed peppermint for rolling

Process:

1. Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate, and stir until smooth.
2. Stir in peppermint extract and chill until firm.
3. Roll into balls and coat with crushed peppermint.

Make it Unique:
Substitute for milk chocolate or dip in tempered chocolate for a shiny finish.

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Trying out these peppermint recipes will surely bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. So grab your ingredients, turn on some festive tunes, and get ready to create delicious memories with each delightful bite!