Easy Peppermint Cool Whip Candy Recipe

Okay, friend, let’s get into this super simple, yet completely addictive recipe! If you’re anything like me, especially around the holidays, you’re looking for something quick, easy, and that everyone will love. That’s where this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy comes in. I remember the first time I made it – it was a total fluke! I was trying to make peppermint bark but was running low on time and ingredients. I had some Cool Whip in the fridge (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t have Cool Whip in their fridge?), a bag of peppermint candies leftover from Christmas, and a “why not?” attitude. The result? Pure magic.

The cool creaminess combined with the sharp, refreshing peppermint crunch is just…chef’s kiss. My kids went absolutely bonkers for it, and suddenly, it became a holiday staple. There was this one time I tried to get fancy and use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate chips. It was a DISASTER. The bitterness overpowered the peppermint, and my little ones wouldn’t even touch it! Lesson learned: stick to what works, and what works is this easy Peppermint Cool Whip Candy recipe.

This Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is especially perfect for those busy weeknights leading up to Christmas when you need a little something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great one to get the kids involved in – crushing the peppermint candies is a surprisingly therapeutic activity! I swear I was on to something! I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, tweaking little things here and there. I have found that if you use high-quality white chocolate it makes a huge difference.

Cooking is about experimentation and finding what brings joy to you and your family. It’s about creating memories and sharing love through food. So, put on your favorite Christmas music, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious Peppermint Cool Whip Candy together! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a festive treat that tastes like peppermint bark but requires way less effort. If you are looking for other quick and easy Christmas Cool Whip treats check out this post on christmas-cool-whip-candy. Now let’s get to it!

Alright, before we dive into the actual candy-making, let’s gather our supplies. The beauty of this recipe is that you probably already have most of these things in your pantry!

• 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed: I always use the original Cool Whip for my Peppermint Cool Whip Candy because it has the perfect consistency. You could try the low-fat version, but I can’t guarantee the same results.
• 1 (11 ounce) bag of white chocolate chips: I always grab Ghirardelli or Nestle Premier White if I can find it. The better the chocolate, the better your Peppermint Cool Whip Candy will taste!
• 1 ½ cups of peppermint candies, crushed: You can use candy canes or those round peppermint candies. I like to use a mix for a variety of flavors and textures. When making Peppermint Cool Whip Candy, you can find bags of pre-crushed peppermint at most grocery stores during the holiday season, or you can crush them yourself.
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (optional): This is totally optional, but if you want to amp up the peppermint flavor, a teaspoon of extract will do the trick. Here’s a Peppermint Cool Whip Candy trick I learned: don’t overdo it on the extract, or it will taste like toothpaste!
• Pinch of salt: Just a tiny pinch to balance out the sweetness.

Here’s a little kitchen wisdom for you when it comes to peppermint candies: I like to crush mine in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin. It’s a great stress reliever, and it keeps the candy from flying all over the kitchen! Plus, cleanup is a breeze. This is just one way to make this easy christmas candy.

If you’re on a budget, check the dollar store for peppermint candies and generic white chocolate chips. They work just fine in this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy. Leftover Cool Whip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long with this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy recipe around! For more recipes and ingredient tips head over to Dang That’s Sweet: Homepage for all your dessert inspiration.

Okay, friend, let’s get started! I promise you, this is so easy, even the most novice baker can pull it off. I will walk you through making the best cool whip fudge.

1. Melt the white chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize up. I learned the hard way with Peppermint Cool Whip Candy that patience is key here!
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold the melted white chocolate into the thawed Cool Whip until well combined. If you’re using peppermint extract, add it now, along with a pinch of salt.
3. Add the peppermint: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies. Reserve a little bit for topping. Don’t worry if your Peppermint Cool Whip Candy looks a little messy at this point – it will all come together in the end!
4. Transfer to a dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. If you don’t have an 8×8 inch dish, that’s ok! Any similarly sized dish will work just fine.
5. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This is the hardest part for me because I want to dig right in.
6. Cut and serve: Once the Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is firm, cut it into squares and serve. Garnish with the reserved crushed peppermint candies.

In my kitchen, Peppermint Cool Whip Candy usually takes about 2 ½ hours to firm up completely, but it can depend on your refrigerator. While the Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is chilling, I usually clean up the kitchen and maybe start prepping for dinner. Your Peppermint Cool Whip Candy should smell like creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint. If it smells burnt, you might have overheated the chocolate!

Here’s a family-tested Peppermint Cool Whip Candy shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze it for about 30 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t get too hard to cut. I found a great recipe on Easy Holiday Treat! Danny N shares a delicious holiday treat using … for a similar kind of peppermint bark and cool whip fudge.

Now that you’ve made this delectable Peppermint Cool Whip Candy, let’s talk about how to serve it! This is where you can really get creative and make it your own.

My family loves this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy when I add it to a dessert board with other holiday treats like cookies, brownies, and maybe even some fruit for a little balance. It is the perfect easy christmas candy to add to a holiday board. It is also wonderful served alongside a cup of hot cocoa. I often put out a mug full of hot cocoa, top it with whipped cream, and add a piece of Peppermint Cool Whip Candy for extra flair.

This Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in with the family. I like to cut it into small squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. I’ll also garnish with a sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Friends always ask for this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy recipe, and I’m always happy to share it!

If you have extra Peppermint Cool Whip Candy (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble it over ice cream or use it as a topping for cupcakes. You could also chop it up and mix it into your favorite cookie dough for a peppermint chocolate chip twist.

I’ve tried a few seasonal Peppermint Cool Whip Candy variations. One year, I added a layer of crushed Oreos to the bottom of the dish before pouring in the Cool Whip mixture. It was a hit! Another time, I swirled in some red food coloring for a festive look.

I always find that presentation matters. A simple garnish can transform a humble dessert into something special. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! If you are looking for other Christmas ideas check out this article on Easy peppermint Christmas dessert ideas needed.

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy. I’ve made this recipe so many times, I feel like I can answer these in my sleep!

Q: Can I use sugar-free Cool Whip?

A: You can, but the texture might be a little different. I find that sugar-free Cool Whip tends to be a bit thinner, so your Peppermint Cool Whip Candy might not be as firm.

Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

A: You can, but it will change the flavor profile quite a bit. As I mentioned earlier, I tried it once, and my family didn’t love it. The bitterness of the dark chocolate overpowered the peppermint. But hey, if you’re a dark chocolate fan, go for it!

Q: Can I freeze Peppermint Cool Whip Candy?

A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing Cool Whip can change its texture, making it icy and grainy when thawed. Your Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is best enjoyed fresh or after being chilled in the refrigerator.

Q: How long does Peppermint Cool Whip Candy last?

A: It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but it’s best eaten within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and texture. You know what I do when my Peppermint Cool Whip Candy starts to get a little soft? I crumble it over ice cream!

Q: My Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is not firming up, what did I do wrong?

A: There are a couple of reasons why this might happen. First, make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed before you start. Second, be patient! It needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up. If it’s still not firm after that, try popping it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to Peppermint Cool Whip Candy?

A: Absolutely! Get creative! Some people like to add crushed Oreos, mini marshmallows, or even chopped nuts. Just be careful not to add too much, or it will throw off the consistency.

Q: My peppermint candies are sticking together when I crush them, what can I do?

A: Try adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the bag before you crush them. This will help to absorb any moisture and keep them from sticking.

These are the questions I get asked the most about this easy christmas candy. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

This Peppermint Cool Whip Candy recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make and it always brings a smile to my family’s faces. It’s a simple, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for the busy holiday season. The joy of this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is that it combines two of my favorite things: peppermint bark and cool whip fudge into one!

Here are my Peppermint Cool Whip Candy Pro Tips:

• Use high-quality white chocolate. It really makes a difference in the flavor!
• Don’t overdo it on the peppermint extract. A little goes a long way.
• Be patient when melting the chocolate. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to avoid burning.

Here are a few Peppermint Cool Whip Candy variations we’ve tried:

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add a layer of chocolate cookie crumbs.
• Peppermint Bark Swirl: Swirl melted semi-sweet chocolate into the Cool Whip mixture before chilling.
• Candy Cane Crunch: Add crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips to the mixture.

My kids love the Candy Cane Crunch version the best, while my husband prefers the classic Peppermint Cool Whip Candy. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and experiment with different variations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! I really feel like this is the perfect no bake peppermint dessert. If you are looking for other no bake options you might like this no-bake-cool-whip-candy option.

I hope you enjoy making this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, sweet treat that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I am confident this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy will become a family favorite in your home too!