Nothing to say Cheers to Christmas quite like the red and white stripes summoning visions of candy canes. Admittedly I’m not a huge fan of mint for the rest of the year; on my list of favorite ice cream flavor (because this is something I think about all the time), mint chocolate chip comes in last place. And even when I’m thinking about the Girl Scout cookies I’d most like to discover in my freezer, Thin Mints fall far short of Samoas, Tagalongs, and Do-si-dos (though I’m happy to eat all of them). ). Basically, I’m not a mint lover. But thanks to the spirit of the season, all bets are off — and I’m sharing a mint recipe that has changed my tune.
In a season where food is mostly about indulgence, you can catch me eating chocolate dessert, package of gingerbread, or even this one Bottle of Carrot Cake on any weekend. But after baking my way through the recipes below, I found the mint flavor refreshing. So, whether you’re a skeptic like me or already a die-hard mint fan, this is the combination for you. Keep scrolling to find all the recipe inspiration your holiday dessert needs between now and January (or possibly beyond).
Featured image of Hannah Haston
Minimalist Baker’s chocolate sassafras cupcakes
Why we love it: Before making this recipe, it had sadly been years since my last cupcake (I’m still mourning the demise of the first aughts trend). But guys, the year is 2021, Sex and the city is back, and even though Samantha doesn’t enjoy Magnolia Bakery’s delights with the rest of the group, the cupcakes deserve a place in all of our hearts.
This recipe is the perfect solution if you’re still scarred by pumpkin frenzy in the fall. All it takes is a bowl and an hour of baking in the kitchen. Long live cupcake craze.
Hero composition: I would never say no to anything covered with coconut cream.
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake from Two Peas & their Pod
Why we love it: Big fan of the pack here. While popping the cake out of the pan is a bit stressful (I never held my breath during the process), it’s easy. The play texture can’t be beat either. This cake has a beautiful porosity, and the top layer is the softest, smoothest chocolate ganache. Sprinkle crushed mints over the garnish because it’s a holiday. Prepare your belly in seconds.
Hero composition: Thanks to half a cup of sour cream, this cake is wonderfully moist and delicious.
Peppermint Bark from Life Made Simple
Why we love it: If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s easy to understand how to make your own mint bark at home. Plus, after enjoying your own edible masterpiece, you’ll wonder why you bought all of that in the past. It is really a simple matter of melting the chocolate and waiting for your layers to set. My favorite part of the process is right at the end when you can freely smash your rectangular case into several pieces. I have a good feeling you’ll love it too.
Hero composition: Because this is such an easy and streamlined recipe, there aren’t too many ingredients to choose from. But I’m going to go out of my way and say the white chocolate layer really did it for me. If you think you don’t like it, have faith. The mint and vanilla extracts bring out their flavor complexity to create a nuanced, varied and addictive end result.
Pink sassafras cake from How Sweet Eats
Why we love it: Not enough has been said or written about how really gorgeous mint can be. This pastel wonder took notes — and delivered. Delicate swirls of white and red cream cheese wrap around the layers of cake as light as the air. Mint meringue pieces add a nice touch and a bit of sugar sparkles give it just the right amount of shine.
Hero composition: Some people like buttercream, but I often find it lumpy. Solution? Cream cheese is fragrant and slightly tart – and of course, it’s cream cheese that does it.
Peppermint Truffles from Foodie Crush
Why we love it: Also known as small, medium sized chocolate chips with chocolate, delicious mint flavor. Honestly, they’re more than a craving – they’re my total obsession. And while their petite size might suggest that you could easily pop two or three, know that these guys rich in the best possible way. The good news is that they can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. I will look forward to enjoying them for many weeks to come.
Hero composition: It’s all about the chocolate here, and the melted semi-sweet chips add a bit of bitterness to balance out the truffle sweetness.
Mint Chocolate Brownies from Full Tree
Why we love it: I retract what I wrote about mint chocolate chip ice cream above — these two flavors are the perfect match in holiday heaven. That truth doesn’t show more clearly in these *incredible* macaroons. Mint on the outside, moist on the inside, and indulgent all around. Serve these to the hungry crowd at your holiday party — they’re sure to be pleased.
Hero composition: If I’ve learned anything from Ina Garten (of course I have), it’s this: adding a dash of espresso powder to a dish brings out the chocolate’s richness without the taste. like coffee. Take advice from Barefoot Contessa himself, and don’t overlook this important ingredient.
Boozy Mint Hot Chocolate
Why we love it: What’s better than hot chocolate? Hot mint chocolate. What’s better than mint hot chocolate? This recipe for Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate. If you’ve always made hot chocolate with just milk, consider this an invitation to add a little bit of cream to the mix for added enjoyment. Pour me a cup of this on Christmas morning and all my holiday wishes will come true.
Hero composition: Adding a dash of vanilla liqueur to your cocoa will warm you up in no time.
Candy Cane Meringue Kisses from Flourishing Foodie
Why we love it: Let me paint you a picture of holiday perfection. You’re curled up on the couch, wearing favorite cozy pajamas, run all marathons best christmas movie, and you have a bowl of these meringue kisses at your fingertips. These are cute things. These are crispy. This is full of mint flavor. Oh — and if you’re willing to share, they make the perfect homemade gift, too.
Hero composition: While it’s not the sexiest ingredient, you can’t get impressive peak meringues without cream of tartar.
Seedless Vegan Mint Brownies from Roasted Roots
Why we love it: PSA: You can always feel satisfied with a festive treat. But if you’re looking to snack on a holiday-flavored favorite without too much sugar, this is your recipe. The healthy combination of flaxseed, almond meal, almond butter, and coconut oil make these macaroons not only nutrient-dense, but also pleasing to the eye.
Hero composition: Of course, they’re not macaroons without the chocolate. This recipe swaps traditional cocoa powder with cocoa for a richer flavor and a healthy dose essential minerals.
Peppermint Mocha from Pinch of Yum
Why we love it: When coffee, chocolate and mint combine, you couldn’t ask for much more. Resist the temptation of Starbucks (at least temporarily) and switch to this homemade version for your order coming up in December. Enjoy that warm, comforting, first sip of mint — and get ready to make this warm drink for weeks to come.
Hero composition: While I’d call coffee the standout ingredient (after all, who doesn’t need some caffeine during the busiest time of year?), I’ll highlight whipped cream instead. Because your mocha can never be too creamy.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Why we love it: My favorite drink in the form of my favorite food. These cookies are the ideal combination of chewy and soft with a delicately crunchy bite. I keep a roll of this pre-made, sliced, and baked dough in the freezer at all times. Because when the inevitable craving hits, I want to make sure I’m prepared.
Hero composition: Half a cup of creamy whipped cream will result in the thickest, densest cream you’ve ever dipped a cookie (or your finger) in.
Homemade sassafras cake from 2 teaspoons
Why we love it: These are better than anything you can get from a wrapper. The filling includes an impressive hint of mint flavor and is made all the better wrapped in a chocolate coating. This is also a no-bake, so don’t worry if you can’t turn on the oven.
Hero composition: Just three tablespoons of coconut oil is all it takes to create a traditional mint cake mix.
Powderless Mint Hot Chocolate Cake
Why we love it: When I heard that a flourless chocolate cake would be served after dinner, I was sure to save space. The classic recipe calls for just a few staples in the pantry and creates a dense and chocolatey cake that’s almost like you’re eating a slice of cake. Bonus points: Your gluten-free friends may be involved in the decadence, too.
Hero composition: Julia Child was right: everything tastes better with butter — and this cake is proof of that.
Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats from Three Olives Branch
Why we love it: Before finding this recipe, I used to think that there was no way to improve mint bark. Well, that wonderful combination of a holiday dish proved me wrong. I love the mix of crunchy and chocolatey textures. And while I would try to justify dessert for a snack (at 11 a.m.), the crunchy cereal made me feel fine with my choice.
Hero composition: You wouldn’t be able to get the stickiness of Rice Krispie without mini marshmallows, would you?
Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow due to addiction to Sally’s Baking
Why we love it: Puppy chow, monkey munch, or muddy friends. Whatever you call it, we can all agree, this irresistibly sweet snack is where it should be. It’s incredibly quick to make and the perfect last-minute addition to your Christmas dessert buffet.
There’s really a lot to love about this Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow. Depending on the number of guests, you can easily double or triple the recipe. It’s crunchy and sweet and basically looks like the holidays in a bowl. And did I mention it only has four ingredients?!
Hero composition: Put some puppy food on my plate and I’ll be happy to return to my eight-year-old tendency to lick all the candy’s sugar off my fingers. TMI, but the truth.
