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Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Treats are a festive favorite I love making when the holidays roll around. Each bite brings together crisp graham crackers, velvety chocolate, and a cooling mint crunch. This recipe is the easiest way I know to whip up a crowd pleasing treat in under half an hour with no oven required.
I first made these on a snowy December evening to share with neighbors. Now my friends are always hoping to find a tin of these treats on their doorstep every year.
Ingredients
- Milk chocolate chips for melting: Use a higher cacao percentage for deeper flavor and snap. Choose brands without added wax or fillers for the creamiest finish.
- White chocolate chips or blocks for melting: Quality white chocolate melts more silkily and avoids a waxy texture. Look for cocoa butter as a main ingredient.
- Peppermint candy canes: Crush them just before using for the brightest minty aroma. High quality candy canes have a clean peppermint flavor with no bitter aftertaste.
- Graham cracker squares: Classic honey grahams are best. Select ones that are crisp and unbroken for the prettiest presentation.
Instructions
- Prep the Chocolates:
- In separate heatproof bowls, add milk chocolate and white chocolate. Microwave each in 30 second bursts, stirring after each round, until smooth and fully melted. Melting slowly like this prevents scorching and ensures a glossy texture.
- Dip One End:
- Take each graham cracker square and dip one end about a third of the way into the melted milk chocolate. Gently tap off excess. Place dipped crackers flat on a parchment lined tray. Coating one end lets you handle the other side without smudging.
- Let Chocolate Set:
- Allow milk chocolate ends to set at room temperature or speed things up in the fridge. This ensures a firm base for the next layer.
- Dip the Other End:
- Once set, dip the opposite end of each cracker into the melted white chocolate. While the white chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on the crushed peppermint candy canes so they stick.
- Final Set and Serve:
- Let the finished crackers rest until the white chocolate is set and the peppermint pieces are secure. Arrange on a plate or gift in an airtight tin.
My favorite ingredient here is the crushed peppermint candy cane. When I first let my daughter smash the candy canes with a rolling pin, she giggled nonstop. Now making these turns into a sticky fingered, laugh filled tradition every December.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage in warm climates or for make ahead gifting, keep them in the refrigerator layered with parchment. They can also be frozen for up to two months although the candy cane topping may lose some crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use dark chocolate instead of milk for a deeper flavor. To switch up the crunch, try using gingerbread cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers. Finely chopped peppermint bark also works in place of candy canes if that is what you have.
Serving Suggestions
Pile on a platter for a party dessert table or tuck a couple into a festive tin for easy neighbor gifts. They pair nicely with hot chocolate or a cup of holiday tea. For a pretty finish, tie a few together with ribbon.
Cultural Touch
These treats blend classic American s'mores nostalgia with that unmistakable wintery peppermint flair. Candy cane studded sweets have been a holiday favorite for generations and dipping cookies is a tradition that brings out the child in everyone.
Seasonal Adaptations
Top with colored holiday sprinkles instead of peppermint for year round fun. Add crushed Oreo cookies for cookies and cream variation. Switch to blue and white sprinkles for winter themes.
Success Stories
One year we made over seventy treats as classroom party favors and every single one disappeared before the end of the day. Friends still talk about their minty crunch and chocolatey layers.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Line wax paper between crackers and store in a ziptop bag in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The crunch stays intact and they are just as delicious straight from the freezer on a warm day.
These Chocolate Peppermint Grahams will quickly become a festive favorite as they do in my home. Enjoy creating and sharing them for any occasion in need of a little extra sparkle.
FAQs about Recipes
- → Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate adds a deeper, less sweet flavor that pairs well with peppermint. Adjust to taste.
- → What is the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes in a resealable bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin for evenly sized pieces.
- → How do I prevent the graham crackers from breaking?
Handle graham crackers gently and dip slowly into melted chocolate to minimize breakage.
- → Can these treats be prepared in advance?
Yes, once set, store chocolate peppermint grahams in an airtight container for up to a week.
- → Is it necessary to use both milk and white chocolate?
Using both creates visual contrast and layered flavor, but you may use just one type if preferred.