17 Peppermint Dessert Recipes That Taste Like Christmas
The cool, refreshing burst of peppermint paired with rich chocolate creates the ultimate Christmas flavor combination. These festive desserts capture the essence of the season with their perfect balance of minty freshness and sweet indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to treat your family to something special, these peppermint-packed treats will fill your kitchen with the magical scents of Christmas and leave everyone reaching for more.
1. Peppermint Bark Brownies
These fudgy brownies get a festive makeover with layers of white chocolate and crushed candy canes on top. The rich, dense chocolate base pairs beautifully with the cool peppermint crunch, creating an irresistible texture contrast. They’re surprisingly easy to make – just bake your favorite brownies and add the toppings while warm. Perfect for potlucks since they travel well and look absolutely stunning on any dessert table.
Get the recipe here.
2. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Soft, chewy chocolate cookies infused with peppermint extract and rolled in powdered sugar create the perfect holiday cookie. The deep chocolate flavor gets a refreshing lift from the mint, while the powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and that classic crackled appearance. These cookies are incredibly forgiving to make and stay soft for days when stored properly. Kids love helping roll them in sugar, making this a great family baking activity.
Get the recipe here.
3. Peppermint Mocha Cake
This moist chocolate cake combines the beloved coffee shop flavor with festive peppermint for a show-stopping dessert. The coffee enhances the chocolate while the peppermint adds a cool, refreshing note that cuts through the richness. Topped with peppermint buttercream and chocolate shavings, it looks as impressive as it tastes. While it requires a few steps, each component can be made ahead, making it perfect for special occasions when you want to wow your guests.
Get the recipe here.
4. Candy Cane Cheesecake
Creamy, smooth cheesecake gets a holiday twist with crushed candy canes mixed into the filling and a chocolate cookie crust. The tangy cream cheese balances perfectly with the sweet peppermint, creating a dessert that’s rich but not overwhelming. The best part? It actually improves after sitting overnight, so you can make it completely ahead of time. The striking red and white swirls make it a gorgeous centerpiece for any holiday table.
Get the recipe here.
5. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
These decadent cupcakes taste exactly like drinking hot chocolate by a cozy fire, but with a refreshing peppermint twist. The chocolate cake is incredibly moist and topped with fluffy peppermint buttercream that melts in your mouth. Mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder complete the hot chocolate experience. They’re perfect for winter parties since they’re easy to eat while mingling and look absolutely adorable with their festive decorations.
Get the recipe here.
6. White Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
These elegant bite-sized treats melt on your tongue with rich white chocolate ganache infused with pure peppermint extract. Rolling them in crushed candy canes adds a delightful crunch and beautiful color contrast. While they look fancy enough for gift-giving, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients. They keep well in the refrigerator, making them perfect for preparing ahead when you’re entertaining or need homemade gifts.
Get the recipe here.
7. Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
This creamy, dreamy ice cream tastes like frozen candy canes with chunks of real peppermint stick throughout. The base is rich and smooth with just the right amount of mint flavor – refreshing but not overpowering. Making it at home means you control the mix-ins, so you can load it up with as many candy pieces as you like. It’s the perfect cool-down treat after a heavy holiday meal and looks beautiful served in festive bowls.
Get the recipe here.
8. Chocolate Peppermint Tart
This sophisticated dessert features a crisp chocolate crust filled with silky peppermint chocolate ganache and topped with whipped cream. The combination of textures – crunchy crust, smooth filling, and airy topping – makes every bite interesting. While it looks restaurant-quality, it’s actually quite manageable for home bakers. The tart can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for dinner parties when you want something elegant without last-minute stress.
Get the recipe here.
9. Peppermint Bark Fudge
This no-bake fudge combines the classic flavors of peppermint bark in an incredibly easy-to-make treat. Layers of dark and white chocolate create a beautiful marbled effect, while crushed candy canes add festive color and crunch. It sets up quickly in the refrigerator and cuts into perfect squares for gift boxes or party platters. Even novice candy makers can master this recipe, making it a go-to when you need impressive treats without much effort.
Get the recipe here.
10. Candy Cane Macarons
These delicate French cookies showcase the perfect balance of sweet almond shells with peppermint buttercream filling. The shells have a subtle candy cane flavor and lovely pink color, while the filling provides that cooling mint sensation. Though macarons have a reputation for being tricky, the peppermint flavor is actually quite forgiving. They’re absolutely stunning on a dessert table and make incredibly special gifts when packaged in clear boxes with festive ribbons.
Get the recipe here.
11. Peppermint Chocolate Lava Cake
Individual chocolate cakes with molten peppermint centers create an unforgettable dessert experience. The warm chocolate cake contrasts beautifully with the cool peppermint filling that flows out when you cut into it. While they seem fancy and complicated, they can actually be prepared hours ahead and baked just before serving. The dramatic presentation and incredible flavor combination make these perfect for special holiday dinners when you want to end on a high note.
Get the recipe here.
12. Peppermint Cream Pie
This classic pie gets a holiday makeover with layers of peppermint-infused pastry cream and fluffy whipped topping in a chocolate crust. The filling is light and airy with just enough mint flavor to be refreshing without being overwhelming. It’s much easier than it looks – mostly just stirring and layering – and the make-ahead nature makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules. The green and white colors make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Get the recipe here.
13. Chocolate Peppermint Roll Cake
This impressive spiral cake combines light chocolate sponge with peppermint whipped cream filling, creating beautiful swirls when sliced. The cake itself is surprisingly light and airy, while the filling adds richness and that signature mint flavor. Though it looks complicated, it’s actually quite forgiving – even if it cracks a bit while rolling, it still tastes amazing. Dusted with powdered sugar, it looks like it came from a fancy bakery.
Get the recipe here.
14. Peppermint Bark Cookies
These soft sugar cookies are loaded with white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, creating all the flavors of peppermint bark in cookie form. They’re incredibly easy to make with basic cookie ingredients plus the festive mix-ins. The cookies stay soft and chewy for days, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or shipping to distant family. Kids love the colorful candy pieces, and adults appreciate the sophisticated peppermint-chocolate combination.
Get the recipe here.
15. Candy Cane Milkshake
This thick, creamy milkshake tastes like drinking a liquid candy cane with vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract blended to perfection. Crushed candy canes mixed in add delightful texture and extra mint flavor. It’s incredibly quick to make – just blend and serve – making it perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings. Topped with whipped cream and a candy cane stirrer, it’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Get the recipe here.
16. Peppermint Chocolate Mousse
This airy, light mousse combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint in an elegant make-ahead dessert. The texture is incredibly smooth and silky, melting on your tongue while delivering intense flavor. While mousse can seem intimidating, this version is quite straightforward and actually benefits from being made hours ahead. Served in individual glasses with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it looks sophisticated enough for the fanciest holiday dinner parties.
Get the recipe here.
17. White Chocolate Peppermint Bars
These rich, fudgy bars feature a white chocolate base infused with peppermint and topped with crushed candy canes. They’re incredibly dense and satisfying – a small square goes a long way. The recipe comes together quickly in one bowl and bakes in a standard pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. They cut cleanly into neat squares and keep well covered, making them ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or anytime you need a festive treat.
Get the recipe here.