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 my grandma taught me how to make them. I was just a little girl, standing on a stool in her cozy kitchen, watching as she carefully measured out the ingredients and showed me the perfect technique. The aroma of peppermint and the sweetness of the powdered sugar filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to take my first bite.
Fast forward to today, and Christmas Peppermint Creams have become a cherished tradition in my family. Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself craving that delightful combination of creamy, minty goodness. And you know what? I bet you’ll feel the same way once you try this recipe.
Why This Christmas Peppermint Creams Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermint Creams
What makes this Christmas Peppermint Creams recipe so special? It all comes down to the attention to detail and the perfect balance of flavors. By using just the right amount of heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, you’ll end up with a dessert that’s light, airy, and bursting with that classic peppermint flavor. And the added crunch of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable Christmas Peppermint Creams, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled: This is the foundation of the creamy texture, and it’s essential that the cream is well-chilled for the best results.
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar: The powdered sugar not only sweetens the creams, but it also helps to stabilize the whipped cream and give it that perfect, light and airy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is the star of the show, providing that iconic peppermint flavor that makes these creams so festive and irresistible.
- 1/4 cup (35g) crushed candy canes or peppermint candies: The crunchy, minty bits add a wonderful textural contrast and an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermint Creams Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermint Creams
Preparing these Christmas Peppermint Creams couldn’t be easier. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these delightful treats ready to share in no time. All you’ll need is a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, a large bowl, and a baking sheet.
1- Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This will help the heavy cream whip up to a nice, stiff peak.
2- Once your equipment is nice and cold, pour in the heavy cream and use your mixer to whip it on high speed until it forms soft peaks.
3- Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to whip the cream. Whip until the cream reaches stiff peaks and the sugar is fully incorporated.
4- Gently fold in the peppermint extract, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and fragrant with the aroma of peppermint.
5- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the peppermint cream mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press the crushed candy canes or peppermint candies onto the tops of the creams.
6- Refrigerate the creams for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, minty, and crunchy deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure all of your equipment is well-chilled before you start whipping the cream. This will help you achieve the perfect stiff peaks.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped cream, incorporating it slowly to prevent the mixture from becoming grainy or dense.
- Don’t overmix the peppermint extract once it’s added. Fold it in gently to preserve the light, airy texture.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, try using peppermint oil instead of extract. Start with just a 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
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 your holiday gatherings. With 24 servings, they’re great for sharing with family and friends. Pair them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a truly festive experience. Or, serve them alongside a plate of your favorite Christmas cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about these Christmas Peppermint Creams is that they’re super easy to make ahead and store. Once the creams are chilled and set, you can transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can even freeze the creams for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermint Creams
Creative Christmas Peppermint Creams Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try these fun variations on the classic Christmas Peppermint Creams:
- Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Creams: Dip the chilled creams in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Peppermint Cream-Filled Cookies: Pipe the peppermint cream into the center of your favorite Christmas cookie dough before baking.
- Peppermint Cream Truffles: Roll the chilled peppermint cream into balls, then coat them in crushed candy canes or dip them in chocolate.
Making Christmas Peppermint Creams Diet-Friendly
Want to enjoy these festive treats while keeping your dietary needs in mind? No problem! For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. To make them vegan, swap out the heavy cream for a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk, and use a powdered sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. And for a low-carb option, you can replace the powdered sugar with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
A: Yes, you can use peppermint oil instead of the extract. Start with just 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your desired level of peppermint flavor.
Q: How long do the Christmas Peppermint Creams take to make?
A: With a prep time of 10 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, these creams come together quickly and easily.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Peppermint Creams ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The creams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 servings of Christmas Peppermint Creams.
Q: What if my peppermint creams don’t hold their shape?
A: Make sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks and be gentle when folding in the peppermint extract. If the mixture is still too soft, try refrigerating it for an extra 10-15 minutes before portioning.
Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Indulge in these delectable Christmas Peppermint Creams – a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for holiday entertaining, gift-giving, and satisfying peppermint cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled
– 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 cup (35g) crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the peppermint extract and whisk until well combined.
3. Gently fold the peppermint-infused powdered sugar into the whipped cream until just combined.
4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the peppermint cream mixture and roll into balls, then roll in the crushed candy canes to coat.
5. Place the peppermint creams on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store the peppermint creams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a creamier texture, you can use room temperature cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Peppermint Creams are a holiday classic that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With their perfect balance of creamy, minty, and crunchy textures, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, and get ready to create a batch of these festive delights. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
