The holidays are all about indulging in sweet treats that evoke memories of warm moments spent with loved ones. Peppermint desserts provide the seasonal flair and make every gathering feel even more festive. From classic brownies to indulgent cheesecakes, these 11 peppermint dessert recipes will infuse your celebrations with the unmistakable taste of Christmas spirit!
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Get your chocolate cravings satisfied with a minty twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Melt butter, stir in sugars, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour, cocoa, and vanilla. Fold in white chocolate and peppermint.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Make it Unique:
Add a layer of peppermint frosting on top!
Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies
Soft, creamy, and bursting with peppermint!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and butter until smooth. Mix in egg, then stir in flour, peppermint, and baking powder.
- Scoop onto the sheet, sprinkle with candy canes, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips for a minty chocolate experience!
Peppermint Cheesecake
Indulge in a creamy delight that’s perfect for celebrations!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
- Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter to form the crust. Press into the pan.
- Blend cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and peppermint until smooth. Pour over the crust and bake for 60 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra touch!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge
Warm up with homemade fudge that’s extra rich and minty!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Process:
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over low heat until melted.
- Stir in peppermint extract, then pour into a lined pan. Top with crushed candies.
- Refrigerate until set, then cut into squares.
Make it Unique:
Add nuts for a crunch!
Peppermint Meringue Cookies
These light-as-air meringues are a festive treat!
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- Crushed peppermint for topping
Process:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Beat egg whites and salt until foamy, then slowly add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in extracts.
- Pipe onto the sheet and sprinkle with peppermint, then bake for 1.5 hours.
Make it Unique:
Dip the bases in chocolate before baking!
Peppermint Pudding Parfaits
This colorful treat is easy to layer and looks stunning!
Ingredients:
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Process:
- Prepare pudding mix according to package directions and stir in peppermint.
- In clear glasses, layer pudding and whipped cream. Repeat until full.
- Top with crushed peppermint before serving.
Make it Unique:
Use chocolate pudding for a dual-layer effect!
Peppermint Candy Cane Cupcakes
Fluffy and tender, these cupcakes are a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Frosting and crushed candy canes for decoration
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake tins.
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, and peppermint. Mix in flour and baking powder.
- Pour into the tins and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise!
Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
A delightful twist on a classic treat!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Process:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot over low heat until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract, then mix in cereal until coated.
- Press into a greased pan, top with crushed candy, and let cool before cutting.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips into the mixture!
Peppermint Chocolate Swirl Cake
Rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint in this showstopper!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Chocolate frosting for layering
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa; then combine with buttermilk, oil, eggs, and peppermint.
- Pour into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before frosting.
Make it Unique:
Add a layer of cream cheese frosting in between!
Peppermint Mocha Brownie Trifles
A delightful trifle filled with cozy flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required)
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Chocolate shavings for topping
Process:
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and let them cool.
- Whip cream and fold in peppermint extract.
- Layer brownie cubes, coffee, and whipped cream in glasses, topping with chocolate shavings.
Make it Unique:
Add a splash of chocolate liqueur to the coffee!
Peppermint Vanilla Fudge
A sweet and creamy treat for mint lovers!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint for topping
Process:
- Melt white chocolate with condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring if desired.
- Pour into a lined pan, top with peppermint, and refrigerate until firm.
Make it Unique:
Add colored layers for a festive look!
Peppermint Snickerdoodle Cookies
A twist on the classic snickerdoodle, perfect for the holidays!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Crushed peppermint for decoration
Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Cream butter and sugar, adding egg and vanilla, then mix in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Scoop onto the sheet, sprinkle with crushed peppermint, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Use a chocolate chip cookie base instead!
Try these peppermint dessert recipes and fill your home with festive cheer. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these sweets are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!