When the holiday season hits, the last thing you need is a complicated recipe. You want something festive, delicious, and incredibly simple. That’s where these No-Bake Peppermint Balls come in. They are the perfect solution for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire. With just a few ingredients and no oven required, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bites in minutes.
This recipe delivers a creamy, peppermint-infused center coated in a rich chocolate shell and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy candy cane. It’s a classic holiday flavor combination that everyone loves, and this easy method makes it accessible to even the most novice cook. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that tastes like it took hours to make!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peppermint Balls
- Incredibly Easy: With no baking involved, this recipe is practically foolproof. Simply mix, roll, dip, and chill.
- Festive and Fun: The classic combination of chocolate and peppermint is the taste of the holidays. They look beautiful on a dessert platter!
- Perfectly Portioned: These little bites are ideal for parties, preventing the need for cutting or slicing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. For another great make-ahead option, try these no-bake Christmas cheesecake bites.
Key Ingredients for Peppermint Perfection
The magic of these No-Bake Peppermint Balls lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture. It should be softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Powdered Sugar: This dissolves completely, giving the filling a creamy consistency without any graininess.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way! This gives the balls their signature minty flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Adds a delightful crunch and extra peppermint flavor. You can buy pre-crushed peppermint pieces or crush your own.
- Chocolate Chips: I recommend using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the coating, but milk or dark chocolate work wonderfully too.
- Coconut Oil: Just a teaspoon helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives the coating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious peppermint treats.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Stir in the peppermint extract and 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and roll into balls.
- Roll the Balls: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for Firmness: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This is a key step! Freezing the balls ensures they hold their shape when dipped in the warm chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the balls are freezing, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Using a fork, dip each frozen peppermint ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the tops with the remaining crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the finished No-Bake Peppermint Balls for at least 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Balls
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the filling before rolling and freezing the balls before dipping are crucial steps for success. It prevents them from becoming a melty mess.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate coating is a major flavor component, so using a good quality chocolate will make a big difference.
- Work Quickly When Dipping: The frozen balls will cause the chocolate to set fast, so have your crushed candy canes ready for sprinkling immediately after dipping.
- Perfectly Crushed Candy Canes: To crush your own candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan. Loving this mint-chocolate flavor? Try these mint chocolate chip protein balls next!
Fun Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative!
- Different Coatings: Try dipping the balls in white chocolate or dark chocolate. You can also drizzle a contrasting color of chocolate over the top for a more decorative look.
- Add Oreos: For a cookies-and-cream twist, add 1 cup of finely crushed Oreo cookies to the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix-in Mania: Fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the filling for extra texture and flavor. For a different kind of no-bake treat, these salted caramel pretzel cheesecake balls are a must-try.
How to Store Your Holiday Treats
Store your No-Bake Peppermint Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to a month. If freezing, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let them thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but be very careful! Peppermint oil is significantly more concentrated than extract. You would only need a few drops. Start with 1-2 drops, taste the filling, and add more only if necessary.
You don’t have to, but the chocolate shell provides a classic flavor combination and helps the balls hold their shape. Alternatively, you could roll the chilled balls in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a different finish.
To prevent seizing, make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry, as any water can cause the chocolate to clump. Melt it slowly, stirring every 30 seconds in the microwave, and be careful not to overheat it.
You can make them up to one week in advance if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to one month for longer storage.
The easiest way is to place unwrapped candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and gently hit it with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan until you have small, crunchy pieces.
No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe
No-Bake Peppermint Balls: The Easiest Holiday Treat!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined. Stir in the peppermint extract and 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each frozen ball in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy canes.
- Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or until the chocolate is completely firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love making these simple and delicious No-Bake Peppermint Balls! They are truly one of the easiest and most rewarding treats of the holiday season. If you make them, I would love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Happy holidays!
