If you love the refreshing burst of mint combined with the rich decadence of chocolate, this Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These velvety, bite-sized delights balance smooth peppermint cream centers with a glossy chocolate shell, creating a perfect harmony of flavor and texture that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge yourself, this recipe promises irresistible little gems that melt in your mouth and leave a lasting smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is where the magic begins. Each element in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy semisweet chocolate to the hint of peppermint that wakes up your taste buds. The simplicity of these ingredients ensures that anyone can make Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe with confidence and ease.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Provides the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating that encases the mint cream.
- 2 tablespoons shortening: Helps create a smooth, glossy texture when melting the chocolate chips.
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract: Adds that unmistakable fresh mint flavor that makes these creams so unique and delightful.
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar: The base of the creamy mint centers, giving them sweetness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons water: Binds the confectioners’ sugar into a pliable cream that’s easy to shape.
- Green food coloring (optional): Adds a festive touch of color to the cream centers, making them visually irresistible.
How to Make Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Begin by melting the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening together. Using a microwave-safe bowl, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each one. This method prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a perfectly smooth and shiny coating for your creams.
Step 2: Add Peppermint
Once the chocolate is melted and silky, stir in the peppermint extract until fully incorporated. This step infuses your chocolate with that bright, refreshing minty aroma that will make these creams impossible to resist.
Step 3: Form Cream Centers
In a separate bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, water, and if you choose, a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until you have a smooth, dough-like consistency. This peppermint cream mixture will be the soft, flavorful core inside each chocolate shell.
Step 4: Shape Creams
Roll the peppermint cream into small balls about the size of a teaspoon, then gently flatten each ball into a disc. Place them on waxed paper and chill in the refrigerator until they become firm to the touch, which makes dipping easier.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
Using a fork, carefully dip each peppermint cream disc into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated creams back onto the waxed paper. This step creates the perfect chocolate shell that holds the creamy center.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the chocolate-coated creams until the chocolate hardens fully. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy right away or to be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Chocolate Mint Creams that extra sparkle, consider sprinkling a few with crushed peppermint candy or a dusting of cocoa powder before the chocolate sets. This not only adds a burst of texture but also makes them look professionally finished, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These creams are outstanding on their own but also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. Their cool mint flavor complements warm drinks beautifully and makes for a comforting, indulgent combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe on a festive platter lined with fresh mint leaves or delicate doilies. You can also wrap them individually in small parchment squares tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts that show how much you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making these delicious creams, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Keeping them chilled maintains the smooth texture of the mint centers and keeps the chocolate shell crisp.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats in advance, Chocolate Mint Creams freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw gently.
Reheating
No need to reheat Chocolate Mint Creams, as they’re best enjoyed cool. Bringing them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to shine without losing their perfectly firm texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate offers a deeper flavor, which pairs beautifully with the mint. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness of the cream center accordingly if you prefer less bitterness.
Is there a substitute for shortening in the chocolate coating?
You can substitute coconut oil or butter in equal amounts for shortening. These will also help with smooth melting and give a glossy finish, though the flavor may vary slightly.
How important is the peppermint extract quality?
Using high-quality peppermint extract makes a noticeable difference. It ensures a fresh, vibrant mint flavor without any artificial or overpowering notes.
Can I make these candies vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan shortening alternative. Just double-check the peppermint extract is free from any animal products.
What’s the easiest way to shape the cream centers?
Work with slightly chilled hands or lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Using a small cookie scoop can also keep the sizes consistent and speed up the process.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe is such a joyful experience — from the first stir of peppermint into melted chocolate to the moment you savor that first bite. These little treats bring together the best of both worlds: refreshing mint and rich chocolate, all wrapped up in elegant simplicity. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add a little chocolaty mint magic to your kitchen. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Chocolate Mint Creams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Chocolate Mint Creams, featuring a smooth peppermint-flavored cream center coated in rich semisweet chocolate. These refreshing treats are perfect for mint chocolate lovers and are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green food coloring (optional)
Peppermint Cream Center
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate mixture until evenly incorporated for that classic minty flavor.
- Prepare the Peppermint Cream Center: In a separate bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, water, and a few drops of green food coloring if desired. Mix until the mixture is smooth and pliable, creating the base for the mint creams.
- Shape the Creams: Roll the peppermint cream mixture into small balls about one teaspoon each. Then flatten these balls into disc shapes. Place the discs on waxed paper and refrigerate them until firm and easy to handle, approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Coat with Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each chilled peppermint cream disc into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the waxed paper to set.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated creams until the chocolate hardens completely. Store finished chocolates in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream center.
- Using shortening in the chocolate helps achieve a smooth, glossy coating that sets well.
- Chilling the cream centers before coating is crucial to prevent melting and ensure easy dipping.
- Green food coloring is optional but adds a festive touch to the creams.
- Store the finished chocolates in a cool place or refrigerator for up to two weeks for best taste and texture.
