14 Peppermint Christmas Treats to Try This Season

Hey there, fellow mint lover! Picture this: snow flurries outside, your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland, and you’re whipping up treats that scream holiday cheer without breaking a sweat. If you’re hunting for peppermint Christmas treats that jazz up your cookie swaps or family gatherings, you’ve hit the jackpot. I rounded up 14 gems that mix nostalgia with a fresh twist—think easy recipes that pack bold flavor and save you from last-minute grocery runs. Grab your apron, and let’s turn that festive craving into reality.

1. Classic Peppermint Bark

Who says you need fancy equipment to make showstopper peppermint Christmas treats? This no-bake wonder layers chocolate and crushed candy canes for a crunch that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.
3. Melt the white chocolate the same way, then stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Pour it over the dark layer, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, and chill until firm.
5. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Why You’ll Love It

This bark delivers that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with peppermint popping in every bite. I once made a batch for a holiday party and it vanished before the appetizers—talk about a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable; swap in dark chocolate if white’s too sweet for you.

2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bombs

Ever drop a bomb into your mug and watch magic happen? These peppermint Christmas treats explode with flavor, turning ordinary cocoa into a festive explosion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chocolate melts
• 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate melts and brush into silicone sphere molds, chilling between layers for thickness.
2. Fill half the spheres with hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, peppermint candies, and a dash of extract.
3. Seal with the other halves using more melted chocolate.
4. Drizzle extra chocolate on top and sprinkle with peppermint bits.
5. Drop one into hot milk and stir for instant bliss.

Why You’ll Love It

The wow factor here is off the charts—kids go nuts watching it fizz open. I tried adding espresso once for an adult twist, and it became my go-to cozy nightcap. Super giftable too; wrap ’em up and watch friends rave.

3. Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Tired of bland holiday cookies? Amp up your baking game with these peppermint Christmas treats that stay soft for days.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed candy canes for rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
2. Mix in flour gradually to form dough; divide and tint half red if you want swirls.
3. Chill dough for 30 minutes, then roll into balls and coat in crushed candy canes.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
5. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love It

These cookies hit that sweet-spot chewiness with a minty kick that screams Christmas. Last year, I skipped the food coloring and they still looked festive—simplicity wins. They’re forgiving for beginners; overbake a tad, and the candy cane crunch saves the day.

4. No-Fuss Peppermint Fudge

Why slave over the stove when this microwave magic exists? Dive into these peppermint Christmas treats for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Microwave chocolate chips and condensed milk together, stirring until smooth.
2. Stir in peppermint extract and half the crushed candies.
3. Pour into a lined 8×8 pan and top with remaining candies.
4. Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.

Why You’ll Love It

This fudge is dangerously addictive—creamy with just the right peppermint punch. I once doubled the extract by accident and it turned out bolder; now that’s my secret weapon. Perfect for gifting; pop ’em in tins and you’re the holiday hero.

5. Peppermint Swirl Brownies

Brownies getting boring? Infuse them with peppermint for Christmas treats that blend fudgy goodness with cool mint.

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare brownie batter as directed.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and peppermint extract until smooth; tint with red coloring.
3. Pour brownie batter into a greased pan, then dollop cream cheese mixture on top.
4. Swirl with a knife and sprinkle candy canes.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

The swirl adds a creamy contrast that elevates basic brownies to festive status. IMO, skipping the food coloring makes ’em look rustic and homemade—fancy without the fuss. I baked these for a potluck and got recipe requests all night.

6. Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream

Store-bought who? Churn up these peppermint Christmas treats at home for a creamy dream that’s way better than the carton stuff.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk cream, milk, sugar, and extract until sugar dissolves; add coloring if desired.
2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.
3. Fold in crushed candy canes during the last 5 minutes.
4. Freeze for a firmer texture if needed.

Why You’ll Love It

This ice cream boasts fresh mint flavor without the artificial aftertaste. I swapped in almond milk once for a dairy-free version—turned out lighter but still delish. Serve it in cones for instant holiday fun; kids (and adults) can’t resist.

7. Decadent Peppermint Truffles

Fancy a bite-sized luxury? Roll these peppermint Christmas treats for an elegant touch that impresses without effort.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• Cocoa powder or crushed peppermint for coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.
2. Stir until melted, add peppermint extract, and chill for 2 hours.
3. Scoop into balls and roll in cocoa or peppermint.
4. Chill again until firm.

Why You’ll Love It

These truffles melt on your tongue with intense chocolate-mint harmony. One time, I coated ’em in nuts instead—crunchy twist that paired perfectly. They’re stealthy simple; make a batch and stash for midnight snacks. 🙂

8. Peppermint Cheesecake Bites

Full cheesecake too much? Shrink it down with these peppermint Christmas treats for portioned perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Whipped cream and candy canes for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix crumbs and butter; press into mini muffin tins.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs and extract.
3. Fill tins and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cool, top with whipped cream and crushed canes.

Why You’ll Love It

Bite-sized means guilt-free indulgence with creamy mint bliss. I added chocolate drizzle once—overkill? Nah, pure genius. Great for parties; they disappear fast, leaving no crumbs behind.

9. Boozy Peppermint Martini

Thirsty for adult peppermint Christmas treats? Shake up this cocktail for a merry buzz.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz white creme de cacao
• Crushed candy canes for rim
• Splash of cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with crushed candy canes using honey or syrup.
2. Shake vodka, schnapps, creme de cacao, and cream with ice.
3. Strain into glass and garnish with a mini candy cane.

Why You’ll Love It

This martini packs holiday spirit with a minty kick that warms you up. FYI, skip the cream for a lighter version—still festive. I sipped one by the fire last Christmas; instant mood booster.

10. Peppermint Popcorn Crunch

Movie night upgrade? Toss this salty-sweet mix for peppermint Christmas treats that crunch like no other.

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
2. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle candy canes and sprinkles while wet.
4. Spread on parchment to set.

Why You’ll Love It

The combo of popcorn and peppermint creates addictive munchies. I threw in pretzels once for extra salt—game-changer. Bag ’em for gifts; friends will think you’re a pro.

11. DIY Peppermint Patties

Why buy when you can craft? These homemade peppermint Christmas treats outshine the store version every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 tbsp milk
• 8 oz dark chocolate for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix sugar, butter, extract, and milk into a dough.
2. Roll into small patties and freeze for 15 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate and dip each patty.
4. Set on parchment until hardened.

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh mint filling wrapped in chocolate—pure heaven. Some add food coloring, but I skip it for a clean look. I made extras last holiday; they lasted… well, not long. :/

12. Light Peppermint Meringues

Craving something airy? Whip these peppermint Christmas treats for a low-cal delight.

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Crushed candy canes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually add sugar to stiff peaks.
2. Fold in extract and stripe with coloring for swirls.
3. Pipe onto baking sheet and sprinkle canes.
4. Bake at 200°F for 1.5 hours until dry.

Why You’ll Love It

These meringues melt away with crisp mint freshness. I burned a batch once—lesson learned: low and slow. Ideal for cookie tins; light as snow but full of flavor.

13. Festive Peppermint Cupcakes

Cupcakes calling your name? Top these with peppermint for Christmas treats that steal the show.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tsp extract
• Candy canes for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, then alternate flour and milk with extract.
2. Bake in liners at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
3. Beat frosting ingredients and pipe on cooled cupcakes.
4. Crush canes on top.

Why You’ll Love It

Moist cupcakes meet fluffy mint frosting—irresistible. Add chocolate chips for a twist; I did and never looked back. Bake ahead for stress-free holidays.

14. Peppermint Candy Cane Dip

Dip game strong? Blend this for peppermint Christmas treats that pair with everything.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• Graham crackers or pretzels for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in extract and half the canes.
3. Top with remaining canes and chill.
4. Serve with dippers.

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy, minty, and ready in minutes—what’s not to love? I served it with fruit once—unexpected hit. Perfect appetizer; keeps the party minty fresh.

There you have it—14 peppermint Christmas treats to make your season sparkle. From quick barks to boozy sips, these recipes pack flavor without the hassle. Whip one up, share with pals, and watch the holiday magic unfold. Happy baking!