Indulge in a Peppermint-Palooza: 19 Irresistible Peppermint Desserts for the Holidays

As the festive season approaches, there’s one flavor that truly captures the spirit of joy and coziness: peppermint. Its vibrant, cooling, and undeniably bold essence has a magical way of transforming any treat into a holiday masterpiece. If you’re like us – 100% team peppermint – then you know the sheer delight of a dessert that delivers that iconic minty punch. From the moment the first crisp autumn leaf falls, our kitchens become a haven for all things peppermint, creating a symphony of sweet, refreshing flavors that signal the arrival of the most wonderful time of the year. Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey, because we’ve curated a collection of 19 irresistible peppermint dessert recipes that are guaranteed to bring a festive buzz to your home. These aren’t just desserts; they’re edible celebrations, each one more tempting than the last.

Why We Love Peppermint for Holiday Baking

There’s an undeniable charm to peppermint that makes it a perennial favorite, especially when the holidays roll around. Its distinctive flavor profile, characterized by its cooling sensation and bright, invigorating aroma, stands out amongst a myriad of other festive ingredients. Peppermint doesn’t just add taste; it adds an experience. It evokes cherished memories of candy canes adorning Christmas trees, cozy mugs of hot cocoa on a chilly evening, and the lively atmosphere of festive gatherings. This bold and spirited flavor pairs exquisitely with chocolate, creating a classic combination that is both comforting and exhilarating. Whether you’re looking for a simple, delightful treat to enjoy by the fire or a show-stopping dessert to crown your holiday feast, peppermint offers endless possibilities to infuse your baking with that special seasonal sparkle and make every bite memorable.

Creative Ways to Infuse Peppermint into Your Recipes

Unlocking the vibrant flavor of peppermint in your holiday treats is easier than you might think, and there’s a delightful variety of forms it can take. Beyond simply sprinkling crushed candy on top, understanding the different ways to incorporate peppermint can elevate your desserts from good to absolutely unforgettable. Each method offers a unique contribution to both the flavor and texture of your creations, allowing you to tailor the peppermint experience to perfection. Here are some of our favorite methods to add that essential minty flair to your baked goods and confections:

• Peppermint Extract: The Concentrated Powerhouse – A little goes an incredibly long way with this potent ingredient! Peppermint extract is a concentrated form of peppermint flavor, perfect for seamlessly integrating into liquid-based recipes. Always start with a small amount, perhaps 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon, and gradually add more to taste until you achieve your desired intensity. It’s ideal for infusing cookie dough, cake batter, creamy frostings, fudgy brownies, and even homemade ice cream bases with a consistent and intense peppermint flavor. Its liquid form ensures even distribution without altering the texture of your delicate confections.
• Candy Canes: Crunchy Topping & Melty Goodness – Crushed candy canes are the quintessential visual and textural cue for peppermint season. Beyond their festive appearance, they offer a wonderful crunch when used as a delightful topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even a sparkling sprinkle over whipped cream. But don’t stop there! These classic holiday candies can also be melted down into warm desserts like hot cocoa for a subtle minty undertone, or incorporated into chocolate bark and fudge for a delightful peppermint swirl and a subtle texture variation that makes every bite exciting.
• Peppermint Candies: Versatile Mix-Ins & Decorative Flair – Similar to candy canes, various forms of peppermint candies (such as starlight mints or soft peppermints) can be a fantastic and versatile addition to your holiday baking. Chopped or finely crushed, they work wonderfully as flavorful mix-ins for chewy cookies, rich brownies, and creamy homemade ice cream, providing unexpected pockets of refreshing mint. Larger pieces can also serve as charming and edible decorations, adding a professional and festive touch to your holiday creations, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Andes Mints: The Creamy Chocolate-Mint Duo – These iconic chocolate-mint candies are a game-changer for any peppermint lover. Andes mints bring a perfectly balanced blend of creamy chocolate and refreshing mint in one convenient piece. Chop them up and fold them into cookie dough for an instant flavor boost, melt them into brownie batter for an extra layer of richness, incorporate them into cake fillings for a decadent surprise, swirl them into frosting for an elegant finish, or even use them to flavor homemade ice cream and chocolate pies. They add a sophisticated touch and a rich, smooth texture that truly elevates any dessert.
• Peppermint Ice Cream: A Cool Foundation for Creativity – Don’t underestimate the power of pre-made peppermint ice cream! It’s not just for scooping on its own. This creamy, minty base can be the secret ingredient in your next inventive dessert, offering both flavor and a wonderful chilled texture. Sandwich it generously between freshly baked homemade cookies for incredible, melt-in-your-mouth ice cream sandwiches, or use it as a decadent, cooling filling between layers of moist chocolate cake for a show-stopping frozen dessert. It adds a wonderful chill and a delightful creaminess, making it perfect for unique frozen-inspired treats that will truly impress all your guests.

Your Ultimate Peppermint Dessert Collection

Get ready to be inspired! All of these peppermint desserts are beyond delicious and guaranteed to add that special holiday sparkle to your table. From classic comforts that evoke childhood memories to innovative new favorites that will surprise and delight, each recipe offers a unique and mouthwatering way to celebrate the festive season with the invigorating, irresistible flavor of peppermint. Prepare your taste buds for a truly memorable culinary experience!

1. Luscious Peppermint Buttercream

Elevate any dessert into a festive holiday treat with this incredibly luscious peppermint buttercream. Its exceptionally creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor are particularly exquisite when paired with moist chocolate cupcakes, creating a truly irresistible and perfectly balanced combination of sweet and minty. Best of all, this dreamy frosting comes together effortlessly in less than 5 minutes, making it an ideal, time-saving, yet deliciously impressive addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

2. Sparkly Peppermint White Chocolate Sugar Cookies

These peppermint white chocolate sugar cookies are the epitome of holiday baking perfection. Soft, delightfully chewy, and infused with just the right amount of vibrant peppermint flavor, they are a joy to behold and even better to eat. Adorned with a delicate icing and sparkling sanding sugar, these cookies are not only delicious but also an eye-catching and essential addition to any festive cookie swap or cherished Christmas cookie tin, bringing cheer with every bite.

3. Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Prepare to be enchanted by this rich, incredibly moist chocolate peppermint cake, generously coated in a silky smooth white chocolate buttercream. Not only is it a stunning centerpiece that’s beautiful to look at and perfectly garnished with crushed peppermint candies, but its dangerously good flavor profile absolutely screams festive peppermint. Each slice delivers a harmonious blend of deep, dark chocolate and refreshing mint, making it a show-stopping dessert for any holiday gathering that will have everyone asking for more.

4. Refreshing Iced Peppermint Mocha (Starbucks Copycat!)

Indulge in a Starbucks-inspired favorite from the comfort of your home with this exceptional Iced Peppermint Mocha. It masterfully blends a rich, deeply chocolatey mocha with a refreshing burst of invigorating peppermint. Served perfectly chilled and generously topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermints, it offers an added layer of wintry goodness that’s both deliciously satisfying and incredibly budget-friendly to make yourself. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet, bringing café-quality indulgence right to your kitchen!

5. Classic Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Watch these tempting chocolate peppermint cookies vanish in record time at your next holiday party or festive get-together! These easy-to-make Christmas cookies are designed to be perfectly thick and wonderfully chewy, crowned with a generous sprinkle of bright crushed candy canes for that unmistakable holiday crunch. Remarkably, they go from pantry to plate in just about 25 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute treat that doesn’t compromise on festive flavor or delightful texture.

6. Elegant Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie

Indulge in the sheer luxury of this smooth and incredibly creamy chocolate mint mousse tart. Featuring a simple yet decadent chocolate cookie crust, it’s remarkably easy to assemble, making it a perfect yet impressive dessert for any occasion. The filling itself is lusciously smooth, ultra-chocolatey, and infused with just the right delicate touch of mint. Plus, it’s wonderfully freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare ahead for effortless entertaining during the bustling holiday season without sacrificing quality or taste.

7. Irresistible Fudgy Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies

These peppermint brownies offer the best of both worlds, combining two beloved desserts with an enchanting holiday twist. Imagine intensely fudgy brownies crowned with a creamy, dreamy layer of rich peppermint cheesecake – simply divine! These gorgeous little bars are not just visually appealing; they are absolutely to-die-for, offering a delightful contrast in textures and a refreshing minty finish that will undoubtedly impress everyone at your festive table, making them an instant holiday favorite.

8. Heavenly Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Craft this wonderfully creamy, refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream with surprising ease using just seven simple, high-quality ingredients like rich heavy cream, fresh milk, granulated sugar, pure mint flavoring, and finely chopped chocolate. It’s a perennial fan favorite for good reason! By making this homemade ice cream recipe, you can enjoy authentic, vibrant, natural flavors, completely avoiding artificial additives and preservatives, resulting in a truly superior frozen treat that’s both delicious and wholesome.

9. Easy & Delicious Mint Chocolate Fudge

This super-easy mint chocolate fudge is a true delight – ultra chocolatey with a delicate, refreshing kiss of peppermint. What makes it even better is its freezer-friendly nature, allowing you to effortlessly create a secret stockpile of “freezer fudge” for those unexpected chocolate emergencies or spontaneous cravings. It’s also an absolutely perfect homemade treat for holiday gifting, sure to be appreciated and savored by friends and family alike, making it a thoughtful and delicious present.

10. Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Give a classic favorite a dazzling holiday makeover with these peppermint chocolate chip cookies! They take everything you love about your go-to chocolate chip cookie – soft, wonderfully chewy, and utterly satisfying – and infuse it with vibrant festive cheer. Loaded with rich dark chocolate chips and delightful crushed candy canes, these cookies are a perfect embodiment of holiday warmth and refreshing mintiness in every single bite, sure to become a new seasonal tradition.

11. Crowd-Pleasing Peppermint Cheesecake Dip

This creamy, festive peppermint cheesecake dip is an absolute holiday essential, pairing perfectly with a variety of dippers like crunchy cookies, classic graham crackers, or even salty pretzels for a delightful sweet and savory contrast. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, requiring minimal effort and time, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer or a delightful dessert for impromptu holiday gatherings. Its vibrant flavor and enticing texture are sure to be a hit with everyone, young and old.

12. Heavenly Peppermint Bark Fudge

Prepare to be utterly delighted by this heavenly peppermint bark fudge! Each festive bite is a joyful explosion of rich chocolate and intensely refreshing peppermint flavors, all wrapped up in a delightfully creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Not only is it incredibly satisfying and addictively delicious, but this stunning fudge is also an absolute breeze to make, ensuring you can whip up a batch for holiday gifts or your own enjoyment without any fuss or complicated steps.

13. Chewy Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Andes mint chocolate chip cookies are a dream come true for mint chocolate lovers! Featuring double the chocolate goodness and a refreshingly minty taste, they are specifically designed to remain wonderfully soft and satisfyingly chewy. An added bonus: they freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the busy holiday season. But be warned – these are so good, you might want to share them with friends, or face the delicious temptation of devouring the entire batch yourself!

14. Cozy Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Wrap your hands around a mug of this delightful homemade peppermint hot chocolate, incredibly easy to make in just 5 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients. It’s lusciously smooth and wonderfully creamy, offering an intensely deep chocolate flavor beautifully infused with the bright, festive crunch of crushed peppermint candy. This is precisely the comforting, soul-warming recipe you need for a truly cozy night in, warming you from the inside out with festive cheer and pure deliciousness.

15. Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

These fun and festive chocolate peppermint whoopie pies are the epitome of decadence and holiday joy. They feature two light, airy chocolate cake sandwiches cradling a generous swirl of silky, mint-infused peppermint buttercream. The classic combination of rich, deep chocolate and invigorating peppermint creates a match made in heaven, making these delightful treats a perfect highlight for any holiday dessert spread or a cherished gift for loved ones.

16. Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Discover the simple elegance and irresistible taste of these buttery peppermint shortbread cookies. Each delicate cookie is exquisitely dipped in rich, melted chocolate and then generously sprinkled with vibrant crushed candy canes or delicate peppermint candies for an added crunch and festive flair. These delightful little cookies are an absolute dream alongside a steaming cup of hot coffee or tea, offering a perfect balance of crisp texture, sweet butteriness, and refreshing mint in every satisfying bite.

17. Easy Peppermint Oreo Balls (4-Ingredient!)

Give the beloved classic Oreo balls a delightful holiday twist with these irresistible peppermint Oreo balls! They ingeniously combine the indulgent flavors of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and invigorating peppermint into a truly heavenly, no-bake treat. Requiring only 4 simple ingredients and a mere few minutes to prepare, these festive wonders are perfect for quick holiday snacking, last-minute party contributions, or thoughtful homemade gifting that everyone will adore.

18. Festive Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream

Whip up your own batch of wonderfully creamy homemade peppermint ice cream using simple, wholesome ingredients like rich heavy cream, fresh milk, granulated sugar, a touch of pure peppermint extract, and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. We absolutely adore making ice cream at home, and our kids are always captivated watching it swirl and thicken into perfection. This holiday-inspired peppermint ice cream is not just delicious; it’s a truly fun and festive activity for the whole family, creating sweet memories along with a refreshing dessert!

19. Delightful Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

These peppermint mocha cupcakes are a truly delightful holiday dessert, expertly combining the best of rich coffee, decadent chocolate, and invigorating mint. The cupcakes themselves are beautifully moist and light, boasting a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor that forms the perfect base. They are then generously crowned with a creamy and airy buttercream frosting, infused with just the right amount of peppermint, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible holiday treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.

More Festive Holiday Recipes to Explore

The joy of holiday baking doesn’t stop here! If you’re eager to continue your culinary adventures and fill your home with even more delicious aromas and festive flavors, we’ve got you covered. Dive into these other fantastic holiday recipes that are perfect for sharing, thoughtful gifting, or simply enjoying with your loved ones throughout the festive season. From classic, comforting cookies to unique and innovative seasonal treats, there’s something here for everyone to discover, create, and absolutely love, ensuring your holiday table is always brimming with homemade goodness.

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