It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for me, that means it’s time to break out the Christmas Peppermint Creams! I can still remember the first time I made these decadent little candies – I was just a kid, but I was determined to help my mom create the perfect holiday treats. We spent an afternoon in the kitchen, carefully melting the white chocolate, whipping the cream, and infusing the mixture with that unmistakable peppermint flavor. The result was a batch of creamy, pink-hued candies that were absolutely irresistible.
To this day, making Christmas Peppermint Creams is one of my favorite holiday traditions. There’s just something so special about the combination of smooth, rich white chocolate and the refreshing, cool peppermint. And the best part? They’re actually pretty easy to make! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch that will have your family and friends raving.
Why This Christmas Peppermint Creams Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermint Creams
I’ve tried my fair share of peppermint cream recipes over the years, and this one is truly the best of the best. The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures – the creamy, velvety white chocolate base is the perfect canvas for the bright, refreshing peppermint, and the addition of crushed peppermint candies adds a delightful crunch. Plus, the vibrant pink hue makes these Christmas Peppermint Creams an absolute showstopper on any holiday dessert table.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Christmas Peppermint Creams, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped – The foundation of the creams, providing that rich, indulgent flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – This helps create the silky, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – This is what gives the candies their signature peppermint flavor.
- 2-3 drops red food coloring – Just a touch of color brings these Christmas Peppermint Creams to life.
- Crushed peppermint candies, for coating – The perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermint Creams Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, these Christmas Peppermint Creams come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a small saucepan, a mixing bowl, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by gently melting the chopped white chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
2- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the consistency to remain silky and spreadable.
3- Stir the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring into the melted white chocolate, blending them in thoroughly. The mixture should take on a beautiful, vibrant pink hue.
4- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peppermint-infused chocolate, being careful not to deflate the cream. The result should be a creamy, smooth, and perfectly pink mixture.
5- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion the peppermint cream mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
6- Finish by generously coating the tops of the candies with the crushed peppermint candies. Allow the Christmas Peppermint Creams to set in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
1- For the smoothest, creamiest texture, be sure to melt the white chocolate gently over low heat, stirring constantly. Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize up.
2- Whip the heavy cream just until it forms soft peaks – don’t over-whip, or the texture of the candies will be too stiff.
3- Use a high-quality peppermint extract to ensure the flavor really shines through. Cheap extracts can taste artificial.
4- Play around with the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of pink. Start with just 2-3 drops and add more if you want a deeper hue.
5- Coating the candies in crushed peppermint adds a delightful crunch, but you can also try decorating them with festive sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate instead.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermint Creams
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are the perfect bite-sized treat to serve at any holiday gathering. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a glass of sparkling wine. For a more substantial dessert, try serving them alongside a slice of rich, fudgy chocolate cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And of course, they’re always a hit when displayed on a holiday cookie platter or as part of a festive dessert buffet.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news about these Christmas Peppermint Creams is that they keep really well. Once the candies have set in the refrigerator, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully – simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen peppermint creams will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw the candies in the refrigerator overnight. You can even make a big batch ahead of time and have them on hand for last-minute holiday gatherings. Just be sure to give them a quick re-coating of crushed peppermint before serving to keep them looking and tasting their best.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermint Creams
Creative Christmas Peppermint Creams Variations
While the classic Christmas Peppermint Creams are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on them:
- Swap out the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer, more indulgent treat.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
- Use green food coloring instead of red for a fun, festive twist.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts like peppermint, mint, or even a hint of vanilla.
Making Christmas Peppermint Creams Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs:
- To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free chocolate and make sure your peppermint candies are also gluten-free.
- For a vegan version, swap the white chocolate and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and cocoa butter.
- If you’re watching your carbs, you can use a sugar-free white chocolate and artificial sweetener instead of regular sugar.
No matter how you choose to make them, these Christmas Peppermint Creams are sure to be a hit with everyone on your holiday list!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: While you can certainly experiment with different types of chocolate, the classic Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe calls for white chocolate as the base. The smooth, creamy texture of white chocolate pairs perfectly with the peppermint flavor.
Q: How long do these Christmas Peppermint Creams take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of just 25 minutes – 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time. They come together quickly, making them a great option for last-minute holiday entertaining.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Peppermint Creams ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These candies keep really well, both in the refrigerator and the freezer. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many Christmas Peppermint Creams does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 individual candies, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Q: What if my Christmas Peppermint Creams don’t set properly?
A: If your creams aren’t holding their shape, it could be due to over-whipping the cream or not letting the chocolate cool enough before folding it in. Make sure to follow the instructions closely, and give the candies plenty of time to set in the refrigerator.
Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 candies
Description
These Christmas Peppermint Creams are a delightful holiday treat that combine the refreshing flavor of peppermint with smooth, creamy white chocolate. Perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying at home.
Ingredients
– 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2-3 drops red food coloring
– Crushed peppermint candies, for coating
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate and heavy cream. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and food coloring until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of the chilled mixture and roll them between your palms to form smooth, round candies.
5. Roll the candies in the crushed peppermint candies to coat completely.
6. Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Store the Christmas Peppermint Creams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For a variation, you can also dip the candies in melted dark or milk chocolate before coating with peppermint.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Peppermint Creams are a must-have holiday treat in my household, and I know they’ll become a fast favorite in yours too. With their irresistible combination of rich, creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these candies are sure to delight everyone who tries them.
Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make – just follow the simple steps in this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful, festive Christmas Peppermint Creams in no time. So why not give it a try this holiday season? I promise your friends and family will be asking for the recipe (and begging you to make more!). Enjoy!
