31 Minty Holiday Treats to Bake This Christmas Season
These festive peppermint desserts bring cool, refreshing flavor to your holiday celebrations. From classic cookies to rich fudge, each recipe captures the spirit of Christmas.
Whether you’re hosting parties or giving homemade gifts, these mint-infused treats offer something special for every sweet tooth and skill level.
01. Coffee Shop Peppermint Mocha Cookies
This version uses cocoa powder, instant coffee, and peppermint extract to create coffeehouse-inspired cookies. The combination tastes just like your favorite holiday drink.
The cookies bake up soft in the center with slightly crispy edges. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds extra sweetness.
Perfect for coffee lovers who want dessert and caffeine in one bite. These work great for holiday cookie exchanges.
02. Subtle Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
This method combines classic chocolate chip cookie dough with a hint of peppermint oil. The mint flavor stays gentle and doesn’t overpower the chocolate.
Using peppermint oil instead of extract gives cleaner flavor without adding extra liquid. Mini chocolate chips distribute evenly throughout each cookie.
Great for people who prefer mild mint taste over strong peppermint. You can adjust the oil amount to your preference.
03. Tree-Trimming Candy Cane Cocoa
This warm drink blends rich hot chocolate with crushed candy canes for festive flavor. Heavy cream makes it extra creamy and indulgent.
The candy canes melt slightly while stirring, creating natural peppermint sweetness. Whipped cream and more crushed candy make perfect toppings.
This version works great for cold winter nights or holiday parties. Takes just minutes to prepare from start to finish.
04. Rich Vanilla Candy Cane Fudge
This easy recipe uses white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for creamy texture. Crushed candy canes add color and crunch.
The fudge sets firm in the refrigerator without any candy thermometer needed. Press candy pieces on top before the fudge completely hardens.
Perfect for beginners who want impressive results without complicated techniques. Great for gift-giving during the holiday season.
05. Holiday Peppermint Cheesecake
This version combines cream cheese filling with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. A chocolate cookie crust provides rich contrast.
The cheesecake needs overnight chilling to set properly. A water bath prevents cracks while baking in the oven.
This method takes more time but creates restaurant-quality dessert. Perfect centerpiece for Christmas dinner or special occasions.
06. Festive Mint Pound Cake with Bark Frosting
This tender pound cake uses butter, sour cream, and subtle peppermint flavoring. The cream cheese frosting includes pieces of peppermint bark.
The cake stays moist for days when wrapped properly. The frosting glaze drips down the sides for elegant presentation.
This version impresses guests but requires some advanced baking skills. Allow extra time for cooling before frosting application.
07. Family Recipe Peppermint Fudge
This traditional method uses marshmallow creme and butter for smooth, creamy texture. Peppermint extract gives classic mint flavor throughout.
The fudge cuts cleanly into squares when completely cooled. Store between wax paper layers to prevent sticking together.
Great for carrying on family traditions or starting new ones. This recipe makes enough for sharing with neighbors.
08. Easy Peppermint Brownie Drop Cookies
This version starts with brownie mix and adds peppermint extract for minty chocolate flavor. Chocolate kisses pressed on top while warm.
The cookies bake quickly and stay fudgy in the center. No rolling or shaping required for these simple drop cookies.
Perfect for busy bakers who want homemade treats without lots of work. Kids love helping press the chocolate kisses.
09. Quick Peppermint Bark Cookies
This method creates cookies that taste like peppermint bark but take less time. White chocolate chips and crushed candy canes provide signature flavors.
The dough chills briefly before baking for better shape retention. A light drizzle of melted chocolate finishes them perfectly.
Great for people who love peppermint bark but prefer cookies. These work well for holiday parties and bake sales.
10. Simple Five-Ingredient Peppermint Bark
This version layers melted dark chocolate and white chocolate with crushed candy canes. You can use any type of chocolate you prefer.
The bark breaks into irregular pieces once completely set. Store in cool, dry place to prevent chocolate bloom.
Perfect for gift-giving or last-minute party treats. Takes minimal time and uses ingredients you probably have on hand.
11. Two-Layer Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bark
This unique approach uses milk chocolate as the base layer instead of dark chocolate. White chocolate on top creates beautiful contrast.
The milk chocolate provides sweeter, milder flavor that appeals to more people. Candy cane pieces add festive color and crunch.
This version works great for people who find dark chocolate too bitter. Only four ingredients needed for impressive results.
12. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cream Cheese Mints
This easy recipe combines cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Food coloring creates pretty pastel colors for holidays.
The mints need no cooking and hold their shape perfectly. Small candy molds create professional-looking results every time.
Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants elegant candy without complicated techniques. These make beautiful additions to dessert tables.
13. Coffee Shop Style Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti
This version uses cocoa powder and peppermint extract to create rich, crunchy biscotti. The double-baking method ensures perfect crispy texture.
These cookies keep for weeks in airtight containers. Dip in melted chocolate for extra indulgence and visual appeal.
Great for coffee lovers who want authentic Italian-style cookies. Perfect for gift-giving when wrapped in cellophane bags.
14. French-Style Peppermint Cookies with Ganache
This method creates delicate meringue-based cookies with peppermint flavoring and crushed candy. Rich chocolate ganache coats each cookie completely.
The cookies have crisp exteriors and slightly chewy centers. The ganache sets firm and adds luxurious chocolate flavor.
This version requires more advanced techniques but creates bakery-quality results. Allow extra time for proper meringue preparation and ganache setting.
15. Crunchy White Chocolate Peppermint Brittle
This holiday confection combines sugar brittle with white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy. The contrast of textures creates interesting eating experience.
The brittle needs to reach proper temperature for crispy results. Work quickly when adding chocolate and candy before it hardens.
Perfect for people who love crunchy textures and intense mint flavor. This treat disappears quickly at holiday gatherings.
16. Simple Five-Ingredient Peppermint Buttercream
This frosting uses butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Heavy cream adjusts consistency to perfect spreading texture.
The frosting pipes beautifully and holds its shape well. Make it ahead and store covered at room temperature.
Great for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies during holiday season. Pairs especially well with chocolate or vanilla cake flavors.
17. No-Roll Chocolate Peppermint Skillet Cookie
This lazy baker’s dream uses cast iron skillet to create one giant cookie. Crushed candy canes and glaze finish it perfectly.
The cookie bakes evenly in the skillet and stays warm longer. No scooping or rolling individual cookies required.
Perfect for casual gatherings where people can break off pieces. Great for families who want homemade cookies without lots of work.
18. Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
This version uses gelatin, sugar syrup, and peppermint extract to create fluffy marshmallows. Powdered sugar prevents sticking during cutting.
The marshmallows need several hours to set properly before cutting. Use kitchen scissors dusted with powdered sugar for clean cuts.
This method takes more time but creates incredibly fluffy texture. Perfect for elevating hot chocolate or giving as gifts.
19. Light and Airy Peppermint Meringues
This simple recipe whips egg whites with sugar and adds crushed candy canes for color. The meringues bake low and slow.
Different colored candy canes create festive red and green speckles throughout. Store in airtight container to maintain crispness.
Perfect for people watching calories who still want holiday treats. These dissolve on your tongue with intense mint flavor.
20. Traditional Homemade Peppermint Patties
This family recipe combines powdered sugar, butter, and peppermint extract for smooth centers. Dark chocolate coating provides rich contrast.
The centers need chilling before dipping in melted chocolate. Use fork for dipping and let excess chocolate drip off.
This version takes patience but creates candy shop quality results. Many families make these every year as Christmas tradition.
21. Minty Red Velvet Santa’s Favorite Cake
This festive cake starts with red velvet cake mix and adds peppermint flavoring. Cream cheese frosting complements the mint perfectly.
The cake stays moist and has beautiful red color throughout. Crushed candy canes on top add extra mint flavor and crunch.
Great for people who want impressive cake without making everything from scratch. Perfect centerpiece for Christmas celebrations.
22. White Chocolate Christmas Rocky Road
This holiday twist uses white chocolate instead of milk chocolate as the base. Marshmallows, nuts, and crushed candy canes add texture.
The mixture sets firm in the refrigerator and cuts into neat squares. Store covered to prevent the chocolate from picking up odors.
Perfect for people who prefer white chocolate over dark varieties. This version looks especially festive with red and green candy pieces.
23. Rich Dark Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
This easier method uses dark chocolate and sweetened condensed milk for foolproof results. Peppermint extract adds cooling mint flavor.
The fudge sets without candy thermometer or complicated temperature testing. Line pan with parchment for easy removal and cutting.
Great for chocolate lovers who want intense flavor with refreshing mint. This version consistently gets rave reviews from families.
24. Baked Chocolate Peppermint Cake Donuts
This version bakes in donut pans instead of frying for healthier results. Chocolate cake batter gets topped with peppermint frosting.
The donuts stay moist and have rich chocolate flavor throughout. Crushed candy canes on top add festive color and crunch.
Perfect for breakfast treats or afternoon snacks during holidays. Much easier than traditional fried donuts but just as delicious.
25. Three-Layer Mint Chocolate Fudge
This impressive candy features three distinct chocolate layers with mint flavoring. Food coloring in middle layer creates beautiful presentation.
Each layer needs to set before adding the next one. The different shades create striking visual appeal when cut.
This method takes more time but creates gift-worthy results. Perfect for impressing guests or giving as homemade holiday presents.
26. Mini Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bites
These individual portions feature chocolate cookie crusts and peppermint cheesecake filling. Crushed candy and chocolate swirls finish them beautifully.
The mini size makes them perfect for parties and portion control. Bake in mini muffin tins for consistent results.
Great for entertaining because guests can easily grab individual servings. These look elegant on dessert tables or cookie platters.
27. Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
This version uses gluten-free flour blend to create cookies everyone can enjoy. Double chocolate and peppermint create intense flavors.
The cookies have crispy edges and soft, fudgy centers just like traditional versions. Gluten-free flour works perfectly in this recipe.
Perfect for people with dietary restrictions who don’t want to miss holiday treats. You’ll make these again and again.
28. Fudgy Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars
This method combines coffee and peppermint flavors in easy bar cookie form. The bars have fudgy texture and rich chocolate taste.
Espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor without making them bitter. Cut into squares when completely cooled for clean edges.
Great for people who love coffeehouse drinks in dessert form. These bars travel well and feed a crowd easily.
29. Moist Peppermint Tea Chocolate Cake
This unique approach uses strong peppermint tea as liquid in chocolate cake batter. Sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist.
The tea adds subtle mint flavor throughout without being overwhelming. Optional chocolate mint glaze makes it extra special.
Perfect for tea lovers who want something different from typical mint desserts. The cake stays fresh for several days covered.
30. Soft Peppermint Snowball Cookies
These tender cookies get rolled in powdered sugar for snowball appearance. Crushed peppermint candy in the dough adds flavor and color.
Food processor makes quick work of crushing the candy to perfect size. Roll in sugar while still warm for best coating.
Great for holiday cookie platters because they look so festive. These soft cookies appeal to people of all ages.
31. Addictive Peppermint Holiday Cookies
This recipe creates cookies so good people call them “Christmas Crack.” The combination of textures and mint flavor proves irresistible.
The cookies have perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors. They disappear quickly from any dessert table or cookie exchange.
Perfect for people who want cookies that will be remembered long after holidays. Follow the recipe exactly for best results.
Final Thoughts
These peppermint desserts offer endless ways to bring festive flavor to your holiday celebrations. From simple cookies to elegant cakes, there’s something for every skill level.
Start with easier recipes and work up to more challenging ones as your confidence grows. Your family will love these minty treats for years to come.
