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As the holidays approach, my kitchen transforms into a festive wonderland, filled with the scent of peppermint and nostalgia. There’s something truly enchanting about homemade goodies, especially when they’re adorned with a touch of color and flavor. This Christmas Peppermints Recipe, featuring a delightful peppermint icing, is a joyful addition to any holiday dessert spread.

Inspired by my childhood memories of unwrapping candy canes, this icing is incredibly easy to whip up and elevates everything from cookies to cupcakes. With just a handful of simple ingredients—confectioners’ sugar, evaporated milk, pure peppermint extract, and a splash of vibrant red food coloring—you’re just moments away from adding a festive flair to your treats.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or simply seeking a sweet escape from fast food, this peppermint icing promises to delight and impress. So, let’s dive in and make this season a little sweeter together!

Why is this Christmas Peppermints Recipe so special?

Irresistible holiday charm: This icing brings a festive touch that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Simple ingredients: With just four pantry staples, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile topping: Perfect for cookies, cakes, or even drizzled on pancakes—your imagination is the limit!
Cheerful pop of color: A splash of red food coloring adds visual appeal, making your treats holiday-ready.
Quick and easy: Whipping up this icing takes only minutes, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities!

Christmas Peppermints Recipe Ingredients

For the Icing
• Confectioners’ Sugar – this sweetener creates a smooth and velvety texture essential for a glossy finish.
• Evaporated Milk – its rich creaminess helps achieve the perfect consistency for spreading or drizzling.
• Pure Peppermint Extract – this key ingredient delivers that refreshing, classic peppermint flavor that makes your Christmas Peppermints Recipe irresistible!
• Red Food Coloring (optional) – add a few drops to enhance the festive look of your icing, making it visually delightful.

How to Make Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Mix well to create a thick yet creamy base.
Add Flavor: Pour in 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract, stirring until everything is smoothly incorporated. The aroma should be delightful and refreshing!
Color It Up: If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of red food coloring and gently mix until you reach your desired hue. This step transforms your icing into a holiday masterpiece!

Optional: Drizzle over freshly baked cookies for a beautiful holiday presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These festive Christmas Peppermints Recipe icing can be a wonderful time saver for your holiday preparations! You can prepare the icing up to 3 days in advance by mixing together the confectioners’ sugar, evaporated milk, and peppermint extract, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the icing’s lovely consistency, make sure to give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly overnight. When you’re ready to decorate your treats, simply add your desired red food coloring and mix it in before drizzling over cookies or cakes. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade touch without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Christmas Peppermints Recipe?

Nothing brightens up the holiday table quite like a selection of delightful accompaniments that elevate your festive treats!

Warm Chocolate Cake: Rich and fudgy, this cake pairs wonderfully with peppermint icing, creating a heavenly chocolate-mint experience.
Sugar Cookies: These classic cookies provide a sweet canvas for your peppermint icing, enhancing their flavor and making them visually stunning.
Pineapple Fruit Salad: The refreshing zing of pineapple complements the minty icing, offering a bright contrast that balances out the sweetness.
Marshmallow Hot Chocolate: Cozy and creamy, this drink not only warms you up but also invites you to dip in those beautifully iced treats!
Crispy Pretzel Bites: Salty pretzels paired with sweet peppermint icing create a delightful sweet and salty snack that everyone will love.
Christmas Cheesecake: The smoothness of cheesecake layered with peppermint icing brings a festive twist to this traditional dessert, making it truly irresistible!
Peppermint Tea: A warm cup of peppermint tea enhances the festive flavor experience, creating a cozy atmosphere during holiday gatherings.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warming spices of apple cider offer a comforting drink option that complements the fresh burst of your holiday treats.
Gingerbread Men: Their robust spices paired with your peppermint icing make for a classic holiday duo that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Pick and choose your favorites to craft the perfect spread around your Christmas Peppermints Recipe!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Refrigerator: Store your peppermint icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s covered well to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to save it for longer, spoon the icing into freezer-safe bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.

Reheating: When ready to use, simply remove from the fridge or freezer, allow it to come to room temperature, and give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.

Leftover Icing: If you have some icing left over from your Christmas Peppermints recipe, use it as a festive topping on other baked goods or in a sweet dip for fruits.

Expert Tips for Christmas Peppermints Recipe

• Mixing Technique: Stir the icing gently to prevent air bubbles from forming, ensuring a smooth, shiny finish for your festive treats.

• Adjusting Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add a tiny splash of evaporated milk to reach the perfect consistency for spreading or drizzling.

• Taste Test: Before adding the red food coloring, taste your icing! Adjust the peppermint extract if you’d like a stronger flavor in your Christmas Peppermints Recipe.

• Storage Secrets: Keep any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; just give it a good stir before using again.

• Creative Usage: Feel free to experiment! Use this versatile icing on brownies or as a dip for fruits for a festive twist that everyone will love.

Christmas Peppermints Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Personalize your peppermint icing adventure and spark joy in every bite!

Dairy-Free: Swap evaporated milk with coconut cream for a rich alternative that adds a subtle tropical twist. It keeps the texture creamy while ensuring every dairy-free friend can indulge.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract alongside the peppermint for a delightful flavor combination that amplifies the icing’s sweetness. The warmth of vanilla complements peppermint beautifully!
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the festive flair by drizzling melted chocolate over the finished icing. This delicious pairing creates a decadent contrast that your loved ones won’t resist.
Natural Coloring: Replace red food coloring with beet juice for a natural, vibrant hue. It’s a healthy twist that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics—plus, it looks lovely on treats!
Nutty Surprise: Stir in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch and an earthy flavor dimension. The added texture turns your icing into a more robust topping everyone will adore!
Minty Freshness: Substitute peppermint extract with spearmint for a milder mint flavor that’s perfectly refreshing. Perfect for those who love minty goodness without overpowering strength!
Spiced Peppermint: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy note that marries beautifully with the peppermint. This twist adds warmth to your holiday treats, making them feel cozy and festive.

Every variation opens a world of possibilities for your Christmas Peppermints Recipe, inviting you to recreate magic in your own kitchen!

Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

What kind of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely, I recommend using pure peppermint extract for the best flavor. It delivers a strong and authentic peppermint taste that artificial extracts often lack. Look for a brand that lists “pure” in the ingredients for the best results!

How can I tell if my confectioners’ sugar is fresh?
Check for any clumps or hard lumps; fresh confectioners’ sugar should be fluffy and free of any dark spots. If it’s clumpy, you can sift it to remove any unwanted lumps before using it in your Christmas Peppermints Recipe.

Can I store peppermint icing?
Yes! Store leftover peppermint icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly to keep its lovely texture. Before using, give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients.

What’s the best way to freeze peppermint icing?
Freezing is a fantastic option! Spoon the icing into freezer-safe bags, flatten them out for easy storage, and don’t forget to label them with the date. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.

Can I use this icing for anything besides Christmas Peppermints?
The more the merrier! You can use this versatile icing on a variety of treats—try it on cookies, cakes, or even as a dip for fruits. Its fresh peppermint flavor can elevate any dessert, making them a hit at any gathering.

Is peppermint icing safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Always check labels for allergies! While this recipe is generally safe for most, those with lactose intolerance should opt for a lactose-free evaporated milk alternative. Similarly, ensure your peppermint extract doesn’t contain any allergens. For the best results, read ingredient labels carefully to accommodate dietary needs.