Chocolate Peppermint Delights

Chocolate Peppermint Delights

Oh wow, these Chocolate Peppermint Delights make me smile. The sweet smell hits me first. And then I’m like, oh yes, this is it.

I love how the chocolate melts so soft. And the peppermint gives a cool little pop. It all feels like a cozy winter hug, you know?

I keep wanting just one more bite. The mix is so simple but feels kinda magical. And it makes me think, hey, you should try this too.

So yeah, let’s make these together. It’s super easy. And the taste is so worth it.

Chocolate Peppermint Delights

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Delicious: The perfect balance of chocolate and mint in every bite, ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you need a seasonal sweet treat.
  • No-Bake Treat: No oven required! These delights come together in one pan with minimal effort.
  • Perfectly Minty: The crushed peppermint candies and peppermint extract deliver just the right amount of minty freshness, complementing the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for the whole family to help make, and loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Quick to Make: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of these delights ready in no time!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Chocolate Peppermint Delights, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

  • Medium Saucepan: For melting the butter, cocoa powder, and sugar.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir the mixture as it cooks.
  • Baking Sheet: To cool the delights once they’re made.
  • Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the mixture from sticking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
  • Mixing Bowl: For mixing the oats and chocolate chips.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible treats (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the chocolate base.
  • Butter: Richness and flavor, helping to melt the sugar and cocoa into a smooth mixture.
  • Milk: Provides the creaminess that binds everything together.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The foundation of the chocolate flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the recipe.
  • Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! This gives the recipe its signature minty flavor.
  • Quick Oats: Forms the base of the mixture, giving it a chewy texture.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These add a smooth chocolate finish.
  • Crushed Peppermint Candies: For the perfect peppermint crunch.

Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Delights

While this recipe is already a hit, there are plenty of ways you can mix it up and customize it to your taste:

  • Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Add a Little Heat: A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder can add a surprising kick to the delights, balancing the sweetness.
  • Try Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier taste, milk chocolate chips can be substituted.
  • Top with Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some additional chocolate chips and drizzle it over the top of the delights for an extra chocolatey touch.
  • Substitute Peppermint Extract: You could also try using wintergreen extract for a different mint flavor.
  • Add Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

These chocolate peppermint delights are incredibly easy to make, and the steps are quick and simple.

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1. Prepare Your Work Area

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that the delights don’t stick and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Melt the Chocolate Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved, creating a smooth chocolate mixture. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Flavor

Once the chocolate base is melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract will give it that fresh, cool mint flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.

4. Stir in Oats

Remove the saucepan from heat. Then, fold in the quick oats, making sure they are fully coated with the chocolate mixture. This is the base of your chocolate peppermint delights, and it’ll give them that chewy texture.

5. Add Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Candies

Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’ll melt slightly from the warm chocolate mixture, making the delights extra creamy. Next, fold in the crushed peppermint candies for that perfect peppermint crunch and festive touch.

6. Form the Delights

Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently shape each scoop into a round mound, but don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform—they’ll all come together beautifully.

7. Let Cool

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the delights have fully set. This cooling time is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

8. Enjoy!

Once the Chocolate Peppermint Delights have hardened, they’re ready to be enjoyed. They’ll be cool, crisp, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect holiday treat.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Delights

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Delights

These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Here’s how you can serve them:

  • Holiday Parties: Set them out on a tray with other holiday treats like cookies and candies for a festive dessert spread.
  • Giftable Treats: Package them in a cute tin or jar, tie it with a festive ribbon, and gift them to friends, family, or coworkers.
  • In Gift Baskets: Add them to a basket full of homemade goodies for an extra sweet surprise.
  • For Tea or Coffee: Pair these chocolate peppermint delights with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.
  • As a Snack: They make a great afternoon snack or midnight treat when you’re craving something sweet.
Read Also  Peppermint Swirl Meringues

Storing Chocolate Peppermint Delights

These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. If you need to store them for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Delight)

NutrientAmount
Calories150
Total Fat8g
Saturated Fat4g
Carbohydrates20g
Fiber2g
Sugars12g
Protein2g

Conclusion

Chocolate Peppermint Delights are the perfect combination of rich, decadent chocolate and refreshing mint, all wrapped up in a chewy, no-bake treat. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of mint-chocolate combos or just love a quick, easy recipe, this treat is sure to impress.

Chocolate Peppermint Delights

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

24

delights
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

150

kcal
chill time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • Granulated sugar: 2 cups

  • Butter: 1/2 cup

  • Milk: 1/2 cup

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup

  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

  • Peppermint extract: 1/2 teaspoon

  • Quick oats: 3 cups

  • Crushed peppermint candies: 1/2 cup

Directions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat until smooth.
  • Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  • Remove from heat and fold in oats, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
  • Scoop the mixture into small rounds on the parchment paper.
  • Chill for 30 minutes to set.
  • Serve and enjoy!

FAQs:

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, but quick oats give a softer, chewier texture that’s ideal for this recipe.

Can I make these without the peppermint extract?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can simply leave out the extract, and you’ll still have delicious chocolatey treats.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container.

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