Ah, the holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to dive into all things festive! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is this delightful *peppermint christmas* dessert. I can still remember the first time I made it—I was a kid, and my mom let me crush the peppermint candies. The sound of those candies breaking apart was music to my ears! The smell of peppermint wafting through the kitchen instantly lifts my spirits and brings back all those warm, fuzzy holiday memories. This treat is not just a dessert; it’s a joyful celebration of the season. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how it fills your home with that unmistakable holiday cheer. Trust me, every spoonful is like a little bite of Christmas magic!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this *peppermint christmas* treat is super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding! Let’s break it down step by step to make sure you get it just right. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, grab a medium saucepan and combine the milk, sugar, and heavy cream. I usually start with the milk and sugar because it helps the sugar dissolve better.
- Turn the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. You don’t want it boiling, just gently warming up. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, take it off the heat and add in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. This is where the magic happens! The aroma will make your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland!
- Now, it’s time to stir in those crushed peppermint candies. I usually save a little for garnish later. The candies will melt slightly, adding that fantastic peppermint flavor to your mixture.
- Let this delicious concoction cool at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling step is crucial—if you skip it, your mixture might not set properly in the fridge!
- Once it’s cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. I like to make mine ahead of time so it’s ready to go when I need it.
- Finally, serve it chilled, and don’t forget to sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint on top for that festive flair. Enjoy every creamy, minty bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that comes together in no time!
- Perfectly festive for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in.
- Rich, creamy texture with a delightful peppermint punch.
- Great for sharing with friends and family, spreading that holiday cheer.
- Customizable—add toppings or adjust the peppermint flavor to your liking!
- Chilling it ahead of time means less stress when entertaining.
- Every bite is a nostalgic reminder of the magic of the season!
Tips for Success
To make your *peppermint christmas* treat truly shine, here are some of my go-to tips! First, if you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to increase the peppermint extract just a smidge. It’s all about that delightful minty kick! For presentation, topping your dessert with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint creates a festive look that’s as inviting as it is delicious. And don’t forget to chill it for the full 2 hours—this ensures it sets perfectly and allows those flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up your *peppermint christmas* treat! For a chocolate twist, try adding a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder or even some melted chocolate to the mixture—chocolate and peppermint are a match made in heaven! You could also experiment by swirling in some raspberry or cranberry sauce for a fruity flavor that complements the minty goodness. And if you really want to elevate your dessert, why not top it with crushed Oreos for a delightful crunch? The possibilities are endless, so have fun customizing it to your taste!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in this *peppermint christmas* treat, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each serving is approximately 300 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 28 grams of sugar. You’ll also find about 3 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, while you’re savoring each creamy, minty bite, you can feel good about treating yourself during the festive season. Enjoy this delightful dessert as part of your holiday celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with your favorite sugar alternative, but be sure to check the conversion ratio, as some sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
What if I can’t find crushed peppermint candies?
No worries! You can crush regular peppermint candies or use peppermint extract alone for flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
How long can I store the *peppermint christmas* treat?
This treat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and almond or soy milk in place of regular milk. Just make sure your peppermint candies are vegan-friendly.
Is there a way to make this treat less sweet?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a less sweet peppermint candy. Adjust to your liking for the perfect festive balance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your *peppermint christmas* treat is super easy! Just transfer any unused portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy those minty delights for a bit longer! If you want to serve it later, no need to reheat; this dessert is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. Just give it a little stir before serving to remix those delightful flavors. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day, if not better!
Imprimer
Peppermint Christmas: 7 Delightful Bites of Holiday Cheer
- Temps Total: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive peppermint treat perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and heavy cream.
- Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract.
- Can be topped with whipped cream and additional crushed peppermint.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Chilling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 28g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: peppermint, christmas, holiday dessert
