Why You’ll Love This Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
These Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are light, sweet, and very festive. They taste like fresh peppermint and cream. The candies melt softly in your mouth. You will enjoy the cool peppermint with a little crunch from the crushed candy canes. They look pretty on a plate and need only a few steps to make. This recipe works for holiday parties, small gifts, or a quick treat after dinner. It is fast and feels special without much work.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a simple holiday candy that is quick to finish. You do not need to cook sugar or use a candy thermometer. The whipped cream gives the creams a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel. The crushed peppermint adds a sharp, fresh flavor and a little texture. If you like mint chocolate, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top. You can make a batch in under an hour and chill them while you wrap gifts or set the table. This recipe is good for beginners and busy people.
What You Need for Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
You need a few basic tools and a clean work surface. Here is what helps:
- A large mixing bowl or a stand mixer bowl.
- An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk.
- A spatula for folding.
- A piping bag with a plain tip or a spoon for shaping the creams.
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- A small bowl for melting chocolate if you choose to drizzle.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A refrigerator space to chill the creams.
These tools are common and easy to find. If you do not have a piping bag, use a sandwich bag with a corner cut off or just spoon the mixture onto the sheet.
How to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Follow these steps in order and keep the cream cold before whipping. Cold cream whips better and holds shape longer. Work on a cool surface if you can. Read all steps first so you have a clear plan. The whole process moves quickly once you start whipping.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk if you can. Pour the heavy cream into the bowl.
- Start whipping the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken and soft peaks form.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar while you keep whipping. Stop once you see stiff peaks.
- Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Mix just until they are blended in.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies gently so you keep some texture in the creams.
- Spoon or pipe small rounds of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If you like, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the creams for a pretty touch.
- Put the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Serve chilled. Enjoy this festive treat!
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, Chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken., 2. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form., 3. Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts, mixing until well combined., 4. Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies., 5. Spoon or pipe the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet., 6. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top., 7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this festive treat!
Best Ways to Serve Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Serve these creams cold on a small plate or a holiday platter. They look nice in paper candy cups or on doilies. For a party, arrange them on a tiered tray or next to chocolates and cookies. You can pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a mint tea. For a buffet, place a small sign so guests know they contain peppermint and dairy. These creams make a fine plate garnish and a sweet finish for a holiday meal.
How to Store Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Store the creams in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2–3 days. If you add the chocolate drizzle, they still store the same way, but keep them flat so the drizzle does not smear. Do not leave them at room temperature for long, because they will soften and lose shape. If you need to freeze them, place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then move them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and use within one month.
Easy Tips to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Use cold heavy cream and a cold bowl to get better volume when whipping.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks so the creams hold their shape. Do not overbeat or it will turn grainy.
- Crush the peppermint candies coarsely for a nice crunch. Too fine will melt into the cream.
- Use a piping bag for even shapes, or a spoon for rustic rounds.
- If you want a stronger mint flavor, add a little extra peppermint extract but be careful—it comes on strong.
- To save time, buy pre-crushed candy canes or crush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
- If making for children, skip the alcohol or strong extracts and use natural peppermint extract lightly.
Try These Variations of Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add cocoa powder to the whipped cream for a chocolate base and top with crushed candy.
- White Chocolate Layer: Fold in small white chocolate chips before piping.
- Peppermint Mocha: Add a small amount of instant coffee dissolved in a teaspoon of warm water and mix well for a mocha hint.
- Frosted Centers: Press a small piece of soft caramel or a chocolate truffle into the center of each cream before chilling.
- Diet Swap: Use a small amount of powdered sweetener instead of sugar for a lower-calorie version, but texture will change.
- Mini Candy Cups: Spoon the mixture into small chocolate cups for a fancier look.
Common Questions About Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but real heavy cream gives the best texture and flavor. Whipped topping may be softer and not set the same.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make them the day before and keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. They hold shape well for a day or two.
Q: What can I use if I do not have peppermint extract?
A: You can use peppermint oil, but use much less because it is stronger. A small amount of peppermint syrup can also work but will add sweetness.
Q: Will the crushed candy melt into the cream?
A: If the pieces are too fine or if the cream sits a long time, some melting can occur. Use coarser pieces and add them late in the process.
Q: How do I stop the cream from becoming grainy?
A: Do not over-whip. Stop once stiff peaks form. If it gets grainy, it is likely overwhipped.
Q: Can I skip the vanilla?
A: Yes, but vanilla adds a mild roundness to the flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer a pure peppermint taste.
Final Thoughts
These Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are simple, fast, and full of holiday flavor. They need few ingredients and little time, but they make a special treat. The recipe is easy to scale up for a larger crowd or scale down for a small family. Use simple tools and follow the steps for best results. Try a drizzle of chocolate or one of the variations to match your taste.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Make a small batch tonight and see how easy they are. These creams are a sweet, bright addition to holiday plates and a quick way to make the season feel festive. If you want another simple peppermint cream idea for inspiration, see this helpful guide on peppermint creams in a short article that shows similar recipes and tips.
Conclusion
For more ideas and a related version of peppermint creams, check out this helpful resource: Easy Peppermint Creams | Thinly Spread
Print
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are light, sweet, and festive, featuring a delightful combination of fresh peppermint and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Chill the mixing bowl and whisk. Pour the heavy cream into the bowl.
- Whip the cream on medium speed until it thickens and soft peaks form.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract, mixing just until blended.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Spoon or pipe small rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the creams.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For freezing, place on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg