Nothing screams the festive season louder than the enchanting scent and taste of peppermint. From your holiday drinks to your desserts, the addition of peppermint not only adds a burst of flavor but also conjures up memories of snowy winters, cozy fireplaces, and time spent with loved ones. In this delightful post, we're going to explore Five Easy Peppermint Park Recipes that you can whip up to spread holiday cheer throughout your home. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying some seasonal solitude, these recipes will infuse your days with the joy of peppermint.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bliss
Begin your Peppermint Park experience with a mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate, an ultimate cozy treat for chilly evenings.
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 crushed peppermint candies
- Whipped cream for topping
In a saucepan, whisk the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat until well combined. Once hot, add the crushed peppermint candies and stir until they melt. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint for garnish.
Peppermint Cheesecake Delight
This festive cheesecake combines the richness of cheesecake with the cool freshness of peppermint.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate cookies for crust | 200g |
| Butter, melted | 80g |
| Cream cheese, softened | 500g |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 250g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Crushed peppermint candies | For garnish |
🎄 Note: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth blend.
For the crust, crumble the cookies and mix with melted butter, then press into a 9-inch springform pan. For the filling, mix cream cheese, peppermint extract, and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Pour over the crust, bake at 160°C (325°F) for about 55 minutes, cool, then garnish with crushed peppermint.
Holiday Peppermint Mousse
Peppermint Mousse is a light and airy dessert that brings the refreshing essence of peppermint to the forefront.
- 250g white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Melt the white chocolate and let it cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, beat egg whites until frothy, then add sugar gradually until peaks form. Fold the chocolate into the cream, then gently fold in the egg whites. Add peppermint extract and serve chilled.
Peppermint Butter Cookies
These cookies offer a delightful crunch with the sweet infusion of peppermint.
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Combine butter and sugar until fluffy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour, then fold in peppermint candies. Shape into balls, press down with a fork, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until edges are just starting to brown.
Peppermint Bark Bonanza
A festive favorite, Peppermint Bark is not just delicious but also a crowd-pleaser.
- 225g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 225g white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 12-15 peppermint candies, crushed
Melt dark chocolate, spread it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, let it cool. Melt white chocolate, mix with peppermint extract, spread over the dark chocolate. Top with crushed peppermint candies before it sets. Refrigerate until solid, then break into pieces.
🍫 Note: For the smoothest chocolate layers, temper the chocolate before spreading.
In our journey through Peppermint Park, we’ve explored recipes that capture the essence of the holiday spirit with each cool, refreshing bite. These easy recipes provide a delightful departure from the usual holiday fare and inject a playful pop of flavor that both kids and adults will love. Incorporating peppermint into your holiday menu isn’t just a culinary choice; it’s an invitation to reminisce, to celebrate, and to indulge in the festive fun that these recipes offer. With the warmth of hot chocolate, the indulgence of cheesecake, the lightness of mousse, the bite of butter cookies, and the sweet-and-simple crunch of peppermint bark, you’re all set to host a holiday season that will be remembered for its delicious twists on tradition.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint candies?
+
Yes, you can use peppermint extract, but the flavor might be more intense. Start with half the amount suggested for candies, taste, and adjust as needed.
How can I store my peppermint treats?
+
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for longer periods. Ensure they are at room temperature before serving for the best taste.
What can I do if my peppermint candies are not crushing finely?
+
Place the candies in a ziplock bag, seal it, and then use a rolling pin to crush them. This gives you more control over the size of the pieces.
