It was a crisp, snowy Christmas Eve, and I was in the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of peppermint and the glow of twinkling lights. As I carefully measured out the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the countless Christmas seasons when I’d made these delightful Christmas Peppermint Creams.
Growing up, it was a family tradition to gather in the kitchen and create these festive treats together. The process was always a cherished bonding experience, as we’d laugh and chat while rolling the creamy mixture into perfect little spheres and coating them in crushed candy canes. The end result was a plate of the most beautifully vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Peppermint Creams that simply captured the essence of the holiday season.
Now, as an adult, I still find myself drawn to this recipe every December. There’s just something so special about the combination of rich, creamy peppermint and the satisfying crunch of candy cane that makes these Christmas Peppermint Creams an absolute must-have for any Christmas celebration. Whether I’m baking them to share with loved ones or enjoying them quietly by the fireplace, they never fail to fill me with a sense of comfort and joy.
Table of Contents
Why This Christmas Peppermint Creams Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermint Creams
This Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe is truly one-of-a-kind, thanks to a few special techniques that set it apart from the rest. First and foremost, the use of heavy cream instead of traditional butter or milk creates an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that melts on your tongue. The peppermint extract also packs a powerful punch of flavor, ensuring that each bite is bursting with that signature holiday taste.
But the real game-changer is the addition of both red and green food coloring. By swirling these vibrant hues throughout the creamy mixture, you end up with a visually stunning treat that looks as festive as it tastes. The contrast of the bright red and green against the pure white of the powdered sugar is simply mesmerizing, and it’s sure to make your Christmas Peppermint Creams the star of any holiday dessert spread.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these extraordinary Christmas Peppermint Creams, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This fine, airy sugar is the perfect base for the creamy peppermint filling, providing a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: As mentioned earlier, the heavy cream is the secret to achieving that rich, indulgent mouthfeel that sets these Christmas Peppermint Creams apart.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This concentrated flavor is the star of the show, infusing each bite with that classic peppermint taste we all know and love.
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring: Combined with the green food coloring, this adds the beautiful red swirls that make these treats so visually appealing.
- 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring: Paired with the red, this creates the perfect festive color combination.
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes: The crunchy, peppery bits of candy cane provide the perfect contrast to the creamy peppermint filling.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermint Creams Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
With just 12 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, these Christmas Peppermint Creams come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a medium-sized bowl, a spoon or electric mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
1- Begin by adding the powdered sugar to your bowl. Using a spoon or an electric mixer on low speed, gradually incorporate the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2- Next, stir in the peppermint extract, followed by the red and green food colorings. Gently fold the colors together to create a swirled effect.
3- Once the peppermint filling is well-combined, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls.
4- Place the peppermint cream balls onto your prepared baking sheet, then sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top, pressing them gently into the surface.
5- Allow the Christmas Peppermint Creams to set at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes to firm up.
6- Finally, arrange the chilled peppermint creams on a serving plate and prepare to delight your guests with these festive, melt-in-your-mouth treats!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the smoothest, creamiest peppermint filling, be sure to use room temperature heavy cream. This will ensure it blends seamlessly with the powdered sugar.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the color swirls! Try different patterns or even marbling the red and green throughout the mixture.
- To prevent the candy cane pieces from becoming sticky, crush them just before coating the peppermint creams.
- If you want an extra burst of peppermint flavor, try adding a small amount of crushed candy cane directly to the filling.
- For a fun presentation, consider dusting the finished peppermint creams with a light coating of powdered sugar or drizzling them with melted white chocolate.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermint Creams
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season. They pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a festive cocktail like a peppermint mocha martini. For a more formal affair, serve them alongside a platter of holiday cookies or alongside a slice of rich, decadent yule log cake.
And of course, these peppermint creams are an absolute must-have for any Christmas party or family gathering. Their petite size makes them easy to pop in your mouth, and their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor make them a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fortunately, these Christmas Peppermint Creams are incredibly easy to store and prepare in advance. Once they’ve had a chance to set in the refrigerator, you can transfer them to an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 1 week. They’ll maintain their soft, creamy texture and festive appearance throughout.
If you’d like to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can even make these peppermint creams up to 2 months in advance and freeze them. Simply place the unbaked balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermint Creams
Creative Christmas Peppermint Creams Variations
While the classic version of these Christmas Peppermint Creams is truly hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to mix things up. For a chocolatey twist, try dipping the peppermint creams in melted dark or white chocolate before coating them in crushed candy canes.
You could also experiment with different festive flavor combinations, like swapping the peppermint extract for a splash of eggnog or adding a hint of cinnamon to the filling. And for an extra-indulgent treat, consider rolling the peppermint creams in finely chopped toasted nuts or shredded coconut.
Making Christmas Peppermint Creams Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to enjoy these Christmas Peppermint Creams while sticking to a specific dietary plan, there are a few easy swaps you can make. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free powdered sugar and choose certified gluten-free candy canes.
To make these peppermint creams vegan, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. You’ll also need to use a plant-based food coloring and find vegan-friendly candy canes. And for a lower-carb take, experiment with a sugar-free powdered sweetener and opt for sugar-free peppermint extract and candy canes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute milk for the heavy cream in this recipe?
A: While you can use regular milk instead of heavy cream, the texture and mouthfeel of the peppermint creams won’t be quite as rich and indulgent. The heavy cream is essential for achieving that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Q: How long do I need to chill the peppermint creams before serving?
A: The total prep time for this recipe is just 12 minutes, with no cooking required. After forming the peppermint cream balls and coating them in crushed candy canes, you’ll want to let them set at room temperature for 10 minutes, then chill them in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make these Christmas Peppermint Creams in advance?
A: Absolutely! These peppermint creams are incredibly easy to store. Once they’ve been chilled, you can transfer them to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 1 week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked balls for up to 2 months.
Q: How many peppermint creams does this recipe make?
A: This recipe is designed to yield 24 servings of perfectly portioned peppermint creams. The small size makes them perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.
Q: What should I do if the peppermint cream mixture seems too dry or too wet?
A: If your peppermint cream mixture is too dry and crumbly, simply add a bit more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired smooth, creamy consistency. Conversely, if the mixture is too wet and sticky, try incorporating a bit more powdered sugar.
Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 12
- Yield: 24 peppermint creams
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Christmas Peppermint Creams – a delectable homemade treat that perfectly captures the cool, refreshing flavors of the holiday season. These creamy, minty candies feature a smooth, fondant-like texture and a beautiful peppermint swirl, making them a must-have for any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Mix until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
2. Divide the dough in half. In one half, mix in the peppermint extract and red food coloring until well combined, creating a vibrant red peppermint dough.
3. In the other half, mix in the peppermint extract and green food coloring until well combined, creating a festive green peppermint dough.
4. On a lightly powdered surface, roll each dough into a long, thin snake. Twist the red and green snakes together to create a swirled pattern.
5. Cut the swirled dough into 1-inch pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Roll the peppermint creams in the crushed candy canes, gently pressing to adhere.
7. Refrigerate the peppermint creams for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store the peppermint creams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 12
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are truly a holiday showstopper – they’re easy to make, bursting with festive flavor, and guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them. With their luscious peppermint filling, vibrant color swirls, and satisfying candy cane crunch, these peppermint creams embody the very essence of the Christmas season.
Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or arranging them on a plate for a fancy holiday party, these treats are sure to become an instant classic. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to create the most wonderful Christmas Peppermint Creams you and your loved ones have ever tasted!
