Peppermint Cool Whip Candy
These no-bake peppermint cool whip candy has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing minty flavor. They make a perfect edible gift or dessert for cookie exchanges and parties.
Peppermint Cool Whip Candy
The holidays just got a little cooler with these easy Peppermint Cool Whip Candies. They capture all the flavors of the season in each creamy, minty bite.
Unlike fussing with candy thermometers for peppermint bark, this no-bake treat comes together in just minutes.
We love how easy they are to make compared to traditional candy recipes.
Keep a batch in the freezer for impromptu holiday guests or to gift to lucky friends and family.
Ingredients in Peppermint Cool Whip Candy
Milk chocolate chips - I prefer using good quality real chocolate chips instead of candy coating. Ghirardelli is a good brand.
Cool whip - Make sure to thaw it first or it will be too firm to mix smoothly.
Peppermint extract - Pure peppermint extract provides the best flavor. Make sure not to substitute mint extract.
Vegetable shortening - Adds a nice shine and smooth texture to the chocolate coating.
Crushed peppermint candy - Candy canes or peppermint patties crushed into small pieces work great.
How to Make Peppermint Cool Whip Candy
Begin by melting 3 ½ cups of the milk chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. Let cool slightly. In a bowl, mix the thawed cool whip and peppermint extract into the melted chocolate until well combined.
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with plastic wrap. Spread the chocolate whip mixture into the pan in an even layer. Cover with more plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Remove the chilled mixture from the pan using the plastic wrap.
Flip it onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.
Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return to the freezer for 30 more minutes.
When ready to coat, melt the remaining chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring often until smooth.
Working in small batches, dip each square in chocolate using a fork, tapping off any excess. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.
Place the chocolate-covered pieces on parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely before serving.
Tips
Here's some tips and tricks to make this the best peppermint Cool Whip candy!
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Start with good quality milk chocolate chips. This makes the candy taste even better.
Soften Cool Whip: If the Cool Whip is frozen, let it thaw a bit at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the melted chocolate.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the chilled mixture into squares, use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Warming the knife slightly can make slicing easier.
Crushed Peppermint: For the topping, crush peppermint candies or candy canes using a ziplock bag and a rolling pin. This keeps the pieces from flying everywhere and makes it easy to sprinkle on the candy. You can also purchase the crushed peppermint. I've found it in the bulk bin at Winco each year around the holidays.
Alternate Toppings: Mix it up by adding different toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate for variety.
Work Quickly: When coating the candy with melted chocolate, work quickly so the chocolate doesn’t harden before you finish. Add the crushed peppermint immediately after coating.
Leftovers
To store any leftover peppermint candies, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
It should keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If you'd like to store the candies longer, you can also freeze them.
Place the peppermint Cool Whip candy on a baking sheet, stick in the freezer for about an hour or until the candies are frozen. Then, transfer for a freezer-safe container. The candy will stay good for up to 3 months.
What to serve it with
Here are some ideas on what to serve with these candies:
Hot Chocolate
Sugar Cookies
Gingerbread
Coffee
Vanilla Ice Cream
They also go great on a cookie tray or dessert tray at holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
More Peppermint Recipes
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Peppermint Cool Whip Candy
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk chocolate chips divided
- 8 ounces Cool Whip topping thawed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ Tablespoons vegetable shortening
- Peppermint candy crushed
Instructions
- Place 3 ½ cups of the milk chocolate chips in a large microwave safe bowl. Melt in 30 second increments, stirring between each increment, until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the Cool Whip and peppermint extract to the bowl and beat the ingredients together with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with plastic wrap and spread the mixture in an even layer across the pan.
- Cover the pan with another layer of plastic wrap and place in the freezer to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Pull the mixture from the pan using the plastic wrap and flip it over onto a cutting board. Cut the bars into one-inch squares using a sharp knife.
- Transfer the pieces to a tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to start decorating, melt the remaining chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's fully melted.
- Working in batches, place a piece of candy on a fork and spoon the melted chocolate over the top until it's fully coated. Lightly tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then transfer the coated candy to a piece of parchment paper. Immediately top with crushed peppermint.
- Transfer the chocolate covered candy to the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before serving.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
