The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to indulge in some delicious peppermint desserts! I created this post because, let’s face it, nothing says festive quite like the sweet and refreshing flavor of peppermint. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for treats to share with loved ones, or just wanting to satisfy your own cravings, these recipes are here to help.
If you love baking or simply enjoy the joy of holiday treats, this collection is for you. Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy peppermint cheesecake or enjoying a plate of minty snowball cookies with family and friends. These peppermint desserts will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring the spirit of the season right into your kitchen.
In this post, I’ve gathered 10 peppermint dessert recipes that are easy to make and packed with festive cheer. From classic peppermint bark to decadent peppermint chocolate cheesecake, you’ll find a variety of treats that are perfect for any special occasion. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, so even if you’re not a baking pro, you can whip them up with ease. Get ready to impress your guests and treat yourself with these cool, fresh flavors that embody the joy of the holidays!
Now, let’s dive into these delightful peppermint desserts that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter.
Key Takeaways
– Discover 10 easy peppermint dessert recipes perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
– Enjoy a variety of options, including no-bake cheesecakes and classic brownies that everyone will love.
– These recipes feature festive flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season.
– Many treats can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
– Impress your guests with delightful mint chocolate desserts that are sure to be a hit!
1. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark blends dark and white chocolate for a crisp, minty bite. You get a candy crunch from crushed candy canes and a smooth melt that makes every piece feel festive.
This treat travels well, dries quickly, and turns a quick kitchen moment into a crowd-pleaser. Break it into pieces and share with friends or wrap for gifts.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (includes setting)
Calories: 200 per piece
Ingredients:
12 oz dark chocolate chips
12 oz white chocolate chips
1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions:
1. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly.
3. Chill until set, about 30 minutes.
4. Melt the white chocolate and pour it over the set dark chocolate. Spread evenly.
5. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the white chocolate sets.
6. Chill again until fully set, then break into pieces.
FAQs:
Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with milk or semi-sweet chocolate.
Did you know peppermint bark can set in under 60 minutes and still taste premium? A single batch makes festive pieces that travel well for gifts, turning peppermint dessert recipes into easy, crowd-pleasing treats.
Peppermint Bark
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2. Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake
Peppermint chocolate cheesecake is rich and smooth. A chocolate crust gives a bold base, while peppermint adds a bright lift.
Whipped cream and a glossy ganache crown the slices, turning it into a holiday centerpiece. You can make it ahead and still keep the flavor bright.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 350 per slice
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time and mix in peppermint extract.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake for 60 minutes.
5. Let cool and then refrigerate.
6. For topping, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together, then pour over the chilled cheesecake.
7. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
FAQs:
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days!
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3. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Peppermint mocha cupcakes blend chocolate, coffee, and mint into a festive bite. Light, fluffy cupcakes are topped with peppermint-infused buttercream for a cool finish.
A glossy chocolate glaze on top makes the treats feel extra special. They work great at holiday parties or cozy evenings with family and friends.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 300 per cupcake
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup brewed coffee
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine coffee, buttermilk, oil, peppermint extract, and eggs.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
5. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Cool completely before frosting.
7. For frosting, whip butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Frost cupcakes and top with crushed candy canes.
FAQs:
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fun fact: 72% of holiday bakers rate peppermint dessert recipes with chocolate, coffee, and mint as the quickest crowd-pleasers. Peppermint mocha cupcakes deliver that perfect balance, and glaze makes them feel extra festive at parties.
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
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4. No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars
No-bake jars let you serve a mini dessert with big charm. Creamy peppermint cheesecake sits on a crunchy base of cookies.
The jars travel well and make party prep easy. They chill fast, so you can set them in the fridge and forget them until guests arrive.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Calories: 250 per jar
Ingredients:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup whipped cream
1 cup crushed graham crackers
½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Fold in whipped cream and peppermint extract until well combined.
3. In each jar, layer crushed graham crackers, followed by the cheesecake mixture.
4. Repeat layers until jars are full.
5. Top with crushed peppermint candies and mint leaves for garnish.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
FAQs:
How long can I keep these jars? They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days!
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5. Peppermint Patty Brownies
These brownies feel like two desserts in one. A fudgy center meets minty chocolate candy toppers.
They cut clean and stay moist for days, making them ideal for holiday trays or easy gifts. Perfect for chocolate lovers who want a minty twist at the same time.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 400 per brownie
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup peppermint patties, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat and remove from heat.
3. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add flour, cocoa, and salt; mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped peppermint patties and spread the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, and let it cool before slicing into squares.
7. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch!
FAQs:
Can these brownies be frozen? Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months!
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6. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Cool off with homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream that is both refreshing and creamy. This recipe packs a punch of peppermint flavor and is dotted with rich chocolate chips.
It’s a tasty finish to any holiday meal or a cozy night in. You can tweak the mint level to match your taste and still keep a smooth texture.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (includes freezing time)
Calories: 250 per serving
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract until sugar is dissolved.
2. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. In the last few minutes, add in chocolate chips.
4. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
5. Scoop and serve with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
FAQs:
Can I make this without an ice cream maker? Yes, just freeze the mixture in a container, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours.
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7. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These chocolate peppermint cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. A mix of cocoa powder and peppermint extract gives a festive bite.
They work well for cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift for friends and family. A quick bake makes them easy to stash for last-minute treats.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 150 per cookie
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs and peppermint extract.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.
8. Let cool on wire racks before serving.
FAQs:
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months!
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8. Peppermint Mousse
Light, airy, and incredibly refreshing, peppermint mousse delights the senses. This dessert is easy to make and visually appealing.
The creamy texture blends with a bright mint aroma, making it a perfect finale for holiday meals. A few simple garnishes turn it into a festive centerpiece.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
Calories: 200 per serving
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
2. In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the egg whites.
4. Add peppermint extract and fold until just combined.
5. Spoon mousse into serving glasses and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes before serving.
FAQs:
Can I use this mousse with other flavors? Yes, you can substitute peppermint with vanilla or other extracts for different flavors.
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9. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
These peppermint snowball cookies are soft, buttery, and rolled in powdered sugar, creating a wintery bite. The nuts add a welcome crunch with a minty finish.
They’re easy to make and look festive on any cookie tray. A light dusting of sugar gives them that snowy appearance guests love.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 120 per cookie
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Stir in peppermint extract, flour, and nuts until combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Allow cooling slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
FAQs:
Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Peppermint Snowball Cookies clock in at about 120 calories per cookie, and a tray of 24 makes the perfect festive treat. Chill the dough for 15 minutes to keep them light and snowy—perfect for peppermint dessert recipes that wow on holiday trays.
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10. Peppermint Fudge
Rich and creamy peppermint fudge is a holiday staple worthy of gifting. A simple method helps you shine without fuss.
Swirl white chocolate on top for a snowy look and neat squares that travel well. Cut them evenly and share the joy with friends and family.
Recipe Overview:
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes setting)
Calories: 300 per piece
Ingredients:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp peppermint extract
½ cup white chocolate chips
Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until melted and smooth.
2. Stir in peppermint extract.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 pan.
4. Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the fudge mixture.
5. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
6. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before it sets.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
FAQs:
How long will this fudge last? It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Conclusion
These peppermint dessert recipes bring a festive touch to your holiday celebrations, blending delightful flavors and beautiful presentations. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these recipes are sure to impress!
So gather your ingredients and get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones and make sweet memories together this holiday season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some crowd-pleasing peppermint dessert recipes for holiday gatherings?
For holiday gatherings, you can mix peppermint dessert recipes that deliver festive flavor with smart prep.
Start with crowd-pleasers like peppermint bark or mint chocolate desserts, then include make-ahead options such as peppermint cheesecake bars or peppermint mousse cups.
Add a festive touch with toppings like crushed candy canes, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle for a bright finish. Quick tip: pick at least one no-bake item to keep your easy dessert ideas on track during the busy holiday season.
How can I make peppermint desserts ahead of time for festive occasions?
Plan with make-ahead strategies using no-bake or set-and-chill recipes from the peppermint dessert recipes list.
Prepare crusts or base components in advance, then assemble and chill just before serving.
Store refrigerated peppermint desserts in airtight containers up to 3-5 days, or freeze certain items like bark or bars for longer storage.
When serving, add fresh toppings last to keep textures crisp.
What substitutions help if I want dairy-free or gluten-free peppermint desserts?
You can adapt many peppermint desserts to be dairy-free or gluten-free without losing flavor.
Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut yogurt, almond milk in recipes that require liquid, and dairy-free chocolate.
Swap regular cookies or crusts for gluten-free cookies or almond flour bases. Check labels for peppermint flavoring and use crushed candy canes that are gluten-free.
With these swaps, you still get a polished holiday recipe or mint chocolate dessert.
Which peppermint desserts are the easiest to make for beginners?
If you’re new to holiday baking, start with simple, no-fuss options from the peppermint dessert recipes list: no-bake peppermint bark, peppermint fudge, or chocolate-dipped peppermint pretzel treats.
These need minimal equipment, assemble quickly, and chill in the fridge.
Use store-bought components like a ready-made crust or cream cheese filling to speed things up.
You’ll still end up with a charming array of festive treats that look and taste festive.
How can I customize peppermint dessert recipes for different holiday occasions?
Adjust flavors and presentation to suit the occasion. Swap in seasonal colors with white, red, and green toppings, or add citrus zest for a bright twist.
Layer flavors to create irresistible combos like mint chocolate with dark chocolate or peppermint mousse with berry compotes.
Pair desserts with coffee, punch, or dessert wines for a complete spread, and label them as part of your holiday recipes lineup or festive treats for easy sharing.
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