No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls
No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls are the perfect treat to bring a festive touch to any gathering. These delightful bites combine the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible. Originating from traditional holiday recipes, these peppermint balls have become a beloved favorite in many households, especially during the winter months when the spirit of celebration is in the air.
What makes No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls so special is their convenience; you can whip them up in no time without turning on the oven. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, crushed cookies, and peppermint extract creates a flavor explosion that leaves everyone craving more. People love this dish not only for its delicious taste but also for its easy preparation, making it a go-to recipe for busy hosts and bakers alike. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover how to make these scrumptious No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls that will surely impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt to the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined. It should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to knead it gently in the bowl. This will help to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well.
Shaping the Balls
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the peppermint balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even coating later. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Continue rolling the mixture into balls until all of it is used. You should have around 20-25 balls, depending on the size you choose.
Chilling the Balls
- Once all the balls are shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later.
Melting the Chocolate
- While the peppermint balls are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). The coconut oil will help the chocolate melt smoothly and give it a nice sheen.
- Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
Coating the Peppermint Balls
- Once the peppermint balls have chilled and the chocolate is melted, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each peppermint ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If desired, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or extra powdered sugar on top for decoration. This adds a festive touch and enhances the peppermint flavor.
Final Chilling
- After all the balls are coated, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This will allow the chocolate to set completely.
Serving and Storing
- Once the chocolate has hardened, your no-bake peppermint balls are ready to serve! You can arrange them on a festive plate or in a decorative box for gifting.
- If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the peppermint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts. Almond or vanilla extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Coating: For a different look, you can use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the melting process as white chocolate can behave differently.
- Nutty Addition: For
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a delightful and festive touch to their dessert table. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The creamy texture combined with the crunchy bits of crushed candy canes creates a perfect balance that makes each bite a little piece of heaven.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these peppermint balls as a sweet treat during the holiday season, or even as a fun dessert for a summer gathering. They make for a fantastic addition to cookie platters, holiday gift baskets, or simply as a delightful snack to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. If you want to mix things up, consider rolling them in different toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgent twist. You could also experiment with different flavorings, like adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the mixture for a unique flavor profile.
I encourage you to give this No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls recipe a try. It’s a fun and engaging activity that you can do with family or friends, and the end result is sure to impress. Plus, the best part is that you don’t even need to turn on the oven! Once you’ve made your peppermint balls, I would love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try out any of the variations? Sharing your thoughts and any creative twists you come up with can inspire others to get in the kitchen and whip up their own batch.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful recipe. I promise you won’t regret it! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your peppermint balls turn out!
No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls: Easy Recipe for a Festive Treat
Enjoy these easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls, featuring a delicious combination of chocolate and mint. Rolled in chocolate and optionally garnished with crushed peppermint candies, they make a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt to the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined. It should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to knead it gently in the bowl. This will help to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the peppermint balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even coating later. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Continue rolling the mixture into balls until all of it is used. You should have around 20-25 balls, depending on the size you choose.
- Once all the balls are shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later.
- While the peppermint balls are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). The coconut oil will help the chocolate melt smoothly and give it a nice sheen.
- Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
- Once the peppermint balls have chilled and the chocolate is melted, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each peppermint ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If desired, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or extra powdered sugar on top for decoration. This adds a festive touch and enhances the peppermint flavor.
- After all the balls are coated, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This will allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, your no-bake peppermint balls are ready to serve! You can arrange them on a festive plate or in a decorative box for gifting.
- If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the peppermint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts. Almond or vanilla extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Coating: For a different look, you can use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the melting process as white chocolate can behave differently.
Leave a Comment