Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with scents of pine and fresh-baked goodies. One of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate the season is by whipping up these delightful Christmas mini desserts. They’re not just adorable; they’re packed with festive flavors that get everyone in the holiday spirit! Trust me, there’s something so special about popping a little bite-sized treat into your mouth, especially when it’s topped with crushed peppermint and chocolate. I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering; they disappeared faster than I could say “Merry Christmas!” If you’re looking to bring some cheer to your celebrations, these mini desserts are the perfect way to do it!
Ingredients for Christmas Mini Desserts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint
How to Prepare Christmas Mini Desserts
Getting ready to make these Christmas mini desserts is half the fun! Let’s walk through the steps together so you can whip these up with ease and joy.
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your mini desserts bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour and sugar. Just whisk them together until they’re nicely blended. This will help create a light texture in your mini treats!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s work on the wet ingredients! In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s nice and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully smooth. This step is key to creating that luscious texture we’re after!
Fold in Additions
Next up, it’s time to fold in the fun stuff—chocolate chips and crushed peppermint! Gently mix these into your batter using a spatula. Just be careful not to over-mix; we want those delightful chunks to remain intact. Trust me, the combination of chocolate and peppermint is a holiday dream!
Baking Instructions
Now, pour that glorious mixture into your mini dessert cups. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool in the cups for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? Pure holiday magic!
Tips for Success
To really nail these Christmas mini desserts, there are a few handy tips I swear by! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps it cream beautifully with the sugar. I also recommend using festive liners for your dessert cups to add that holiday cheer—trust me, they look so cute! And don’t forget to check on them a minute or two early while baking; ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to overbake! Finally, let them cool completely before adding any toppings; this keeps everything from getting soggy and ensures the flavors shine through. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to presenting your Christmas mini desserts, let’s make them as festive as possible! I love using colorful holiday liners that really pop on the dessert table. Once they’re baked and cooled, consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra creamy goodness. You can even sprinkle more crushed peppermint on top for a delightful crunch and festive flair! Serve them on a beautiful platter, maybe even with some fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of edible glitter for that magical touch. Trust me, your guests will be wowed by both the look and taste of these adorable treats!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional values of these delightful Christmas mini desserts? Each mini treat is approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet indulgence without going overboard. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredient choices. If you swap in different types of chocolate or add extra toppings, you might see those numbers shift a bit. But hey, it’s all in the spirit of holiday baking, right? Enjoy your treats and the joy they bring!
FAQ About Christmas Mini Desserts
Can I make these mini desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Christmas mini desserts are great for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They taste just as delicious after sitting for a bit, and it saves you time on the big day!
What can I use instead of crushed peppermint?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist. Just remember, the key is to keep that festive flair!
How can I make these gluten-free?
Great question! To make these Christmas mini desserts gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free. They’ll still be a hit!
Can I freeze these mini desserts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then wrap each mini dessert tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture.
What other toppings can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides whipped cream and crushed peppermint, you could drizzle some chocolate ganache on top or sprinkle festive sprinkles for a pop of color. You could even add a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Enjoy getting creative!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Bite-sized treats that are just the right amount of sweetness.
- Festive flavors of chocolate and peppermint that scream Christmas cheer!
- Customizable with toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
- Perfectly portioned, making them great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your Christmas mini desserts turn out! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you add your own twist? I’m all ears! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating! Sharing is caring, so feel free to spread the holiday cheer by sharing this recipe on your social media. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and deliciousness this holiday season!
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Christmas Mini Desserts: 5 Sweet Treats to Delight You
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini desserts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of bite-sized desserts perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and sugar.
- Add butter and blend until crumbly.
- Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Pour the mixture into mini dessert cups.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use festive liners for the cups.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini dessert
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas mini desserts, holiday desserts, easy desserts
