Perfect Peppermint Desserts for the Holidays

November 20, 2015
Credit: Photo: Jeff Kauck
The holiday season would not be complete without the cool, refreshing flavors of peppermint. The sweet and sometimes spicy taste perfectly compliments many holiday desserts to create a delicious treat. Keep warm with a minty mocha latte, or indulge in freshly-baked fudge peppermint cookies. You could even cool off with mint-marshmallow ice cream pie and peppermint patties. Everyone in your house is sure to enjoy these Christmas time recipes with peppermint.
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Pep Up With Peppermint

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting

Candy canes are a classic Christmas staple. Buy a big box of red and white suckers and spread the holiday cheer with these delicious minty desserts. 

In our first recipe, a light, mint-infused cream cheese frosting replaces heavy buttercream for a light holiday bite.

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Peppermint Mocha Latte

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Latte

This month, put your workday fuel to more relaxing use. A tiny drop of essential oil gives these chocolaty sippers a peppermint punch, while a cool microwave trick foams the milk, no frother needed. Like to spike? A splash of Kahlua or bourbon makes them all the merrier. Look for peppermint oil at Whole Foods or natural foods stores in the essential oils section. While we love very dark chocolates (80% percent or more), bittersweet works best here, making for rounder, smoother flavor.

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Fudgy Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese
View Recipe: Fudgy Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

When a soft, fudgy cookie meets crunchy candy cane shards, it's a match made in heaven. Don't underestimate the beauty of a simple cardboard hat box (find one at your local craft store). Add a pop of color with a bright ribbon, and tag the recipe with a handwritten greeting.

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Peppermint-Marshmallow Ice Cream Pie

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Peppermint-Marshmallow Ice Cream Pie

Brushing melted ice cream into the pie plate "glues" the crust into place. Crushed chocolate wafers create the crust, while whole cookies define the edges of the pie.

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Chocolate and Peppermint Cookies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate and Peppermint Cookies

Enjoy the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint all year long in this simple, yet oh-so-good cookie recipe. For just 103 calories, you can taste all the deliciousness of a rich, minty flavor, without all the extra calories and fat. Bake until slightly underdone and allow to cool on the baking sheet for irresistibly soft, gooey cookies.

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Peppermint Patties

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Peppermint Patties

The peppermint candies should be coarsely crushed in a large zip-top plastic bag by lightly tapping them with a rolling pin or heavy skillet (a food processor would just pulverize them). You can substitute regular unsweetened cocoa powder in the cookies.

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Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies

These moist bars feature the seasonal pairing of peppermint and chocolate. They're sure to be a hit with everyone—children included—at your holiday party.

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Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

Why go out and buy an ice cream cake when you can make one? The peppermint ice cream makes this cake unique, and the crushed peppermints on top make for a pretty presentation. Surprise a friend on their birthday or bring this festive cake to a Christmas party.

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Peppermint Brownie à la Mode

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Peppermint Brownie à la Mode

Candy canes are everywhere this time of year, so put them to use in your cooking. This recipe blends them into chocolate chip ice cream to top a dense and chocolaty brownie. A hint of coffee flavor makes the brownie itself unique, and the minty topping is a sure-fire hit. If you really love peppermint, substitute mint chip ice cream for an extra dose of minty flavor.

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Peppermint Ice Cream

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream

Crushed peppermint candies turn this ice cream a soft pink. This is a great make-ahead recipe; if it's frozen solid, remove it from the freezer 30 minutes before serving so it can soften.

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Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

Credit: Photo: Jeff Kauck
View Recipe: Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

After the kids have enjoyed their mug full and are tucked in bed awaiting Santa's arrival, consider adding a little mint liqueur such as peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe to give this kid-favorite a grown-up flair. 

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