The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and one of my favorite holiday memories is making Christmas treats with my family. Every December, my kitchen would be filled with the smell of chocolate, peppermint, and warm spices. My grandmother loved turning simple ingredients into festive magic, and one treat that always brought us together was cake pops.
This Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cake Pops recipe combines the rich flavor of chocolate cake with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights at home, these cake pops are easy to make, fun to decorate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I love that cake pops let you get creative. You can dip them in chocolate, sprinkle festive toppings, or drizzle white chocolate for extra flair. Every bite has a perfect balance of sweet, chocolatey, and minty goodness. Whether you’re making them with kids or as gifts for friends, these cake pops are a joyful, festive treat that will brighten anyone’s holiday.
Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cake Pops are also incredibly versatile. Serve them at a cookie exchange, package them as gifts, or keep them in the fridge for a sweet holiday snack. The recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers an irresistible flavor that tastes like a holiday celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake) 🍫
- 1 cup chocolate frosting 🍫
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 🍬
- 12 oz white or dark chocolate, melted for dipping 🍫
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies 🍭
- Lollipop sticks 🍡
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed cookies for decoration ✨
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box (or bake your homemade chocolate cake). Let it cool completely.
- Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting and peppermint extract. Mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Cake Pops: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Insert Sticks: Dip the end of each lollipop stick into melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into each cake ball. This helps the stick stay in place.
- Dip the Cake Pops: Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Decorate with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or drizzle with white chocolate while still wet.
- Chill to Set: Place the dipped and decorated cake pops in a styrofoam block or a tray to set. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cake Pops
- Firm Cake Balls: Chill the cake balls before dipping to prevent them from falling apart.
- Smooth Chocolate Coating: If the chocolate is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to thin it.
- Peppermint Flavor: Adjust peppermint extract according to your taste. A little goes a long way!
- Fun Decorations: Mix crushed candy canes with edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Gifting Idea: Wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for beautiful edible gifts.
Recipe Card 🍴
TIME ⏰
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Chill: 1 hr | Total: 2 hr
INGREDIENTS 📝
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 🍫
- 1 cup chocolate frosting 🍫
- 1 tsp peppermint extract 🍬
- 12 oz chocolate for dipping 🍫
- ½ cup crushed candy canes 🍭
- Lollipop sticks 🍡
- Sprinkles or edible glitter ✨
INSTRUCTION 👩🍳
- Bake chocolate cake and cool.
- Crumble cake, add frosting & peppermint extract.
- Roll into 1-inch balls; chill 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate for dipping.
- Insert sticks, dip cake balls, and decorate.
- Chill 30 min to set.
NOTE 💡
- Chill cake balls before dipping for firm pops.
- Thin chocolate with a teaspoon of oil if needed.
- Adjust peppermint flavor to taste.
NUTRITION 🥗
- Calories: 210 kcal per pop
- Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 25g
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cake Pops at holiday parties, family gatherings, or alongside hot cocoa by the fireplace. They make excellent gifts packaged individually or in festive boxes. Pair with mini candy canes or gingerbread cookies for a full Christmas dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cake Pops are festive, easy to make, and full of holiday cheer. The chocolate is rich and decadent, while the peppermint adds a refreshing twist. They’re perfect for decorating with kids or gifting to friends, making your holiday season sweeter and more fun.
Making these cake pops is not just about dessert; it’s about creating joyful memories in the kitchen. From mixing the cake to decorating each pop, this recipe is a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and delicious flavor.
Short 100-Word Version
I’m Marilyn from Crete, and this Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cake Pops recipe is a holiday favorite. Moist chocolate cake is mixed with chocolate frosting and peppermint extract, rolled into balls, and chilled. Each cake pop is dipped in melted chocolate and decorated with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or festive drizzles. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or gifting, these cake pops are both fun to make and delightful to eat. They’re a combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Easy, festive, and utterly delicious!