‘Tis the season for festive treats, and there’s nothing quite like the delightful combination of peppermint and creamy white chocolate. As a self-proclaimed Christmas Peppermint Creams enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the time I first discovered this heavenly confection.
It was a chilly December evening, and I was rummaging through my grandmother’s recipe box, searching for the perfect holiday dessert to bring to our family’s annual Christmas Eve gathering. That’s when I stumbled upon her classic Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe, scribbled in her elegant cursive. I couldn’t wait to try my hand at making these delectable bites.
As I carefully measured the ingredients and followed her instructions, the aroma of peppermint and melted white chocolate filled the air, transporting me back to the cozy kitchen of my childhood. The moment I popped that first creamy, minty treat into my mouth, I knew I had found a new holiday favorite. The velvety texture and the satisfying crunch of crushed candy canes were absolute perfection.
Why This Christmas Peppermint Creams Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermint Creams
What sets this Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, smooth white chocolate provides a luxurious base, while the refreshing peppermint extract and the delightful crunch of crushed candy canes create a festive and indulgent treat. The best part? This recipe requires no baking, making it a quick and easy way to whip up a batch of these irresistible confections.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to crafting the perfect Christmas Peppermint Creams lies in the quality of the ingredients. First, you’ll need 12 ounces of high-quality white chocolate, chopped into small pieces. This ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and creates a silky-smooth texture.
Next, you’ll want to use 1 cup of heavy cream. The heavy cream adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel that perfectly complements the peppermint flavor.
The peppermint extract is the star of the show, infusing each bite with a refreshing minty taste. Just 1 teaspoon of this potent extract is all you need to pack a peppermint punch.
Finally, the 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes adds a delightful crunch and a festive pop of color to the Christmas Peppermint Creams. The combination of the smooth white chocolate, the creamy texture, and the crunchy candy cane pieces creates a truly irresistible treat.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermint Creams Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 0 minutes, this Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe is a breeze to whip up. All you’ll need is a medium saucepan, a heatproof bowl, a whisk, and a spatula.
1- Start by gently melting the 12 ounces of chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water, stirring frequently until the chocolate is completely smooth and creamy.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as you want it to be light and airy.
3- Once the white chocolate has melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. The minty aroma will instantly fill your kitchen, getting you in the holiday spirit.
4- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peppermint-infused white chocolate until the mixture is fully combined and silky smooth. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has a light, fluffy texture.
5- Carefully pour the Christmas Peppermint Creams mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish or pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the mixture, pressing them in gently to adhere. This will create a beautiful, festive presentation and add that satisfying crunch.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Be sure to use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any white “candy melts” or cheap imitations, as they can be overly sweet and waxy.
2- Crushed peppermint candy canes work best, but you can also use crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces if you can’t find whole candy canes.
3- For an extra minty kick, consider adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the mixture along with the extract.
4- To ensure your Christmas Peppermint Creams set up properly, be sure to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm and set.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermint Creams
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during the holiday season. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of peppermint mocha, a festive glass of eggnog, or a steaming mug of peppermint tea.
For a truly indulgent experience, serve the creams alongside a platter of buttery Christmas shortbread cookies or a selection of rich, fudgy brownies. The minty freshness of the creams will provide a delightful contrast to the richer, more decadent desserts.
This recipe makes 24 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, and holiday guests. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas Eve celebration or a New Year’s Eve bash, these Christmas Peppermint Creams are sure to be a crowd-pleasing addition to your dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and stress-free holiday dessert.
To store the creams, simply cover the pan or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, cut the creams into squares or use a cookie cutter to create festive shapes.
If you’d like to enjoy the creams for a longer period, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to transfer the creams to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag before placing them in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw the creams in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermint Creams
Creative Christmas Peppermint Creams Variations
For a fun twist on the classic, try swirling in a few drops of red or green food coloring to create a festive, marbled effect. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to create unique flavor profiles.
Another delightful variation is to sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate shavings on top of the creams for an extra chocolatey touch. Or, for a more decadent treat, drizzle the creams with a simple chocolate ganache before chilling.
Making Christmas Peppermint Creams Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make a more diet-friendly version of these Christmas Peppermint Creams, there are a few easy substitutions you can try.
For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free candy canes or peppermint candies in place of the regular ones.
To make the creams vegan, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use a high-quality vegan white chocolate.
Those following a low-carb or keto diet can use a sugar-free white chocolate and replace the candy canes with crushed peppermint extract-flavored nuts or seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate besides white chocolate?
A: While the classic Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe calls for white chocolate, you can certainly experiment with other types of chocolate. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate can also work, but they will produce a richer, more indulgent treat.
Q: How long do the Christmas Peppermint Creams take to set?
A: The total time for this recipe, including the 135 minutes of chilling time, ensures that the creams have ample time to firm up and set properly. Be sure to chill the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely set, before cutting and serving.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Peppermint Creams ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can store the creams in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent any freezer burn or drying out.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe yields 24 servings. Keep in mind that the serving size can be adjusted depending on how you cut or portion the creams. They’re quite rich, so a smaller serving size may be appropriate for some guests.
Q: What should I do if the creams don’t set properly?
A: If your Christmas Peppermint Creams don’t seem to be setting up after the recommended chilling time, try popping the mixture back in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also try adding a bit more crushed candy canes to the top to help absorb any excess moisture.
Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 135
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are a quick and easy no-bake holiday dessert that are perfect for gifting or enjoying anytime. With a creamy, minty filling and a festive red and white color scheme, they’re sure to delight your taste buds and get you in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
– 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the peppermint extract into the whipped cream.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the melted white chocolate until well combined.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Once set, roll the peppermint creams in the crushed candy canes to coat.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For a firmer texture, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the whipped cream mixture. Store the peppermint creams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are truly a festive delight that will have your friends and family swooning with every bite. The perfect balance of creamy white chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy candy canes make this recipe a holiday showstopper.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a delectable seasonal treat, this Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of this irresistible confection. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how you enjoyed these festive bites!
