1. Candy Cane Cheesecake
This delightful cheesecake is the perfect blend of rich cream cheese and festive candy cane flavor. The creamy texture paired with a crunchy cookie crust makes it a must-have on your holiday dessert table.
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Whipped cream for topping
- Additional crushed candy canes for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and crushed candy canes.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes.
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
These cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic hot chocolate, topped with peppermint-infused frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. They’re perfect for holiday parties!
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Slowly add boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
3. Peppermint Bark
This classic holiday treat is super easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes, peppermint bark is a festive addition to any dessert spread.
- Ingredients:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Place in the fridge to set for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate chips in another bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the set semi-sweet chocolate layer, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top before the white chocolate sets.
- Refrigerate until fully set, then break into pieces to serve.
4. Candy Cane Cookies
These adorable candy cane-shaped cookies are not only fun to make but also deliciously festive. With a hint of peppermint and a drizzle of chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit!
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup crushed candy canes for decoration
- ½ cup chocolate chips for drizzling
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and mix until fully incorporated.
- Take small pieces of each dough and roll them into ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooled, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cookies. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for garnish.
5. Peppermint Meringue Cookies
Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, peppermint meringue cookies are an elegant treat that adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday dessert spread.
- Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Gently fold in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
- Using a piping bag, pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry and can easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside for best results.
6. Peppermint Brownies
Rich and fudgy brownies infused with peppermint extract and topped with a creamy mint frosting make for the ultimate holiday dessert. These brownies will disappear quickly!
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting)
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in peppermint extract.
- Spread the frosting over cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes before slicing.
7. Candy Cane Ice Cream Sundae
This indulgent ice cream sundae is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Layers of peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and crushed candy canes make it a showstopper!
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups peppermint ice cream
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Instructions:
- In a tall glass or sundae dish, layer 1 cup of peppermint ice cream.
- Drizzle with hot fudge sauce and add another layer of peppermint ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
- Finish off with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgence.
8. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are packed with chocolate chips and have a delightful peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes for mixing
- Additional crushed candy canes for topping
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooled, sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
9. Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge
This rich and creamy chocolate fudge is swirled with peppermint flavor and topped with crushed candy canes. It’s an easy no-bake treat that everyone will love!
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes for mixing
- Additional crushed candy canes for topping
- Instructions:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes over the top before refrigerating.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, then cut into squares to serve.
10. Peppermint Trifle
This stunning peppermint trifle is a show-stopping dessert that layers chocolate cake, peppermint mousse, and whipped cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress!
- Ingredients:
- 1 chocolate cake mix (and ingredients to prepare)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk (for pudding)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for layering
- Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in peppermint extract.
- To assemble the trifle, cut the chocolate cake into cubes. In a trifle dish or large bowl, layer chocolate cake cubes, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream and topping with more crushed candy canes.
- Chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Embrace the holiday spirit with these 10 festive candy cane and peppermint Christmas desserts. Each recipe adds a unique twist to traditional flavors, ensuring that your holiday gatherings are filled with sweet cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, these delightful treats are sure to spread joy and deliciousness all around. Enjoy the festive season, and happy baking!