When the holiday season rolls around, I find myself reminiscing about cozy gatherings with family, the warm glow of lights, and the sweet scent of peppermint wafting through the air. This year, I’ve decided to bring back a recipe that has been a favorite since my childhood: Peppermint Cool Whip Candy. It’s simple, fun to make, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, this candy has a special charm that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Let’s dive into why this treat should be your go-to as the temperatures drop and the festivities begin!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest: life gets busy, especially during the holiday hustle. This Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is perfect for those days when you want to create something delightful without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine having a dessert that tastes like a festive hug but takes only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Seriously, you’ll look like a kitchen magician when you whip this up, and folks will be asking for seconds! It’s light, fluffy, and packed with that thrilling peppermint flavor that brings the joy of the season to every bite.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine biting into a cloud of sweetness, where the cool crunch of peppermint dances on your tongue. This candy combines the creamy texture of Cool Whip with the subtle bitterness of melted chocolate, creating a luscious balance that’s both refreshing and comforting. Each piece is like a small moment of joy wrapped in sugary goodness, perfect for melting the stresses of the day away. The flavor is reminiscent of cozy evenings spent beside the fire, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories. I would describe it as the perfect combination of light and rich—both satisfying and refreshing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup Cool Whip: This brings the delightful creaminess that makes each piece feel indulgent and light at the same time.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: A classic sweetener that adds that wonderful sugary touch while maintaining smoothness.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This is what infuses your candy with that iconic minty zing—don’t skimp on the flavor!
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: For dipping, giving a rich, chocolaty contrast to the fluffy peppermint inside.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These brighten up your candy (visually and flavor-wise) and add a crispy crunch.
Optional Additions:
- White chocolate for dipping: If you prefer something sweeter, why not dip them in white chocolate for a festive spin?
- Food coloring: Add a drop or two to your Cool Whip for some fun color variations—think red or green!
Special Garnishes:
- Extra crushed peppermint for sprinkling on top for added festive flair.
- Chocolate drizzle for decoration—because who doesn’t love a little sparkle?
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is as straightforward as they come, and trust me, the process is half the fun! Let’s break it down step by step:
- In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Gently fold until everything is beautifully blended. Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!
- Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop later.
- After it has chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into little balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Put the tray back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to let them firm up. Perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, right?
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until it’s smooth. This is where a double boiler would come in handy too!
- Once your peppermint balls are firm, dip them into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
- While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the crushed peppermint on top —you can never have too much peppermint at this time of year!
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator for faster results. Then they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Chocolate flavor: Instead of peppermint extract, use chocolate extract for a different take. It’s like a peppermint patty in candy form!
- Different candies: Try rolling these in crushed nuts instead of peppermint for a rustic twist.
Serving & Storage Tips
These little bites of joy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to freeze them, just make sure they’re in a single layer wrapped tight so they don’t stick together. A fun leftover idea? Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a sensational peppermint sundae!
Helpful Tips
Learned-the-hard-way tip: Avoid working with chocolate in a humid environment; it can seize up and become a mess. And remember, if your Cool Whip mixture seems a little too runny, let it chill a bit longer. In my early attempts, I learned to trust the chill—time always helps consolidate those flavors!
Special Equipment
- Baking sheets: Essential for cooling without getting messy.
- Cookie scoop: Perfect for making uniform-sized candies, so they cook evenly and look adorable!
- Microwave-safe bowl: For easy melting of chocolate, as it’s easy to monitor and control heat.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free Cool Whip and chocolate chips to enjoy this candy without any dairy ingredients. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
How do I know when the chocolate is melted properly?
When melting chocolate in the microwave, it’s best to check it every 30 seconds. If it looks mostly melted with a few lumps, stir it! The residual heat will melt the rest. You want it smooth and glossy, without overheating.
What can I do if my Cool Whip mixture is too thin?
If it’s too thin, it might need more powdered sugar or a little extra chilling time. Mix thoroughly, and allow it to firm up in the fridge for a bit longer before scooping.
How long can I store the Peppermint Cool Whip Candy?
This candy can be kept in an airtight container for about a week in the fridge. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months!
Conclusion
Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is so much more than just dessert; it’s a dose of holiday cheer wrapped in creamy goodness, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). Whether you’re putting together a festive dessert table or just indulging on a chilly night while watching your favorite holiday movie, this treat is a must-try. I love bringing this recipe out every year, sharing it with friends and family, and watching their eyes light up with every bite. It’s a real conversation starter while sipping hot cocoa and reminiscing about holiday memories. So, grab your ingredients, get a little messy, and let me know how your candy turns out in the comments! Happy creating!
Print
Delicious Peppermint Cool Whip Candy Sweet Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Peppermint Cool Whip candy this holiday season These sweet treats blend festive flavors for a delightful dessert experience
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful and easy recipe for Peppermint Cool Whip Candy, perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 servings
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
