Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Recipe

Sweet & Crispy Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Recipe

Sweet chocolate peppermint grahams dance between decadent dessert and quick snack territories, promising pure deliciousness.

Crisp graham crackers serve as the perfect canvas for rich chocolate and cool mint flavors.

Layers of melted chocolate swirl with refreshing peppermint, creating an irresistible treat.

Each bite brings a delightful crunch and smooth, creamy sensation.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction in these simple yet spectacular cookies.

Quick preparation makes these grahams an ideal last-minute indulgence for spontaneous sweet cravings.

You’ll want to share these delectable bites – but maybe keep a few just for yourself.

Why Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Make A Great Treat

  • Craft a Festive Treat: Create a delightful holiday dessert that brings joy and cheer to any gathering with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Master Simple Layering Technique: Build impressive dessert bars by carefully stacking graham cracker crust, rich chocolate, and peppermint toppings for a professional-looking result.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend the classic taste of chocolate with refreshing peppermint, delivering a crowd-favorite dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Quick No-Bake Finishing Touch: Add a final magical layer of crushed candy canes and white chocolate drizzle that transforms the dessert into a stunning seasonal showstopper.

Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Ingredients List

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and helps the crust hold its shape.
For the Chocolate Layer:
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers deep, rich chocolate flavor and creates a smooth base layer.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky, glossy chocolate mixture.
  • Butter: Enhances the chocolate's richness and provides a smooth consistency.
For the Topping:
  • Candy Canes: Adds a festive peppermint crunch and decorative element to the dessert.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Provides a sweet, creamy drizzle with a smooth texture.
  • Peppermint Extract: Intensifies the cool, minty flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

How To Make Chocolate Peppermint Grahams

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix crumbs with:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact foundation.

Step 3: Bake Crust

Bake the crust until it turns golden and releases a delightful aroma. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Layer

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Whisk in butter until the mixture is silky and well combined.

Step 5: Apply Chocolate Coating

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the layer.

Step 6: Prepare Candy Cane Topping

Crush candy canes into delicate fragments using a food processor or rolling pin.

Step 7: Create Peppermint Drizzle

Melt white chocolate chips and mix with:
  • Peppermint extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step 8: Decorate Dessert

Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the set chocolate layer. Drizzle the peppermint white chocolate across the surface in elegant, crisscrossing patterns.

Step 9: Final Chill

Refrigerate the dessert for 30 minutes to fully set and develop rich flavors.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the dessert from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares or triangles for a festive treat.

Helpful Tips For Chocolate Peppermint Grahams

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless dessert removal and clean cutting.
  • Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to transform graham crackers into uniform, fine crumbs for a smooth, consistent crust texture.
  • Pack Crust Firmly: Press the graham cracker mixture tightly into the pan, ensuring a compact base that holds together when cut and provides a sturdy foundation.
  • Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use a double boiler to create a glossy, silky chocolate layer, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a perfect, even consistency.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate between layers to help set the chocolate and allow flavors to meld, creating a more structured and delicious dessert.

Ways To Mix Up Chocolate Peppermint Grahams

  • Gluten-Free Candy Cane Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
  • No-Bake Candy Cane Bars: Skip the crust baking step by using refrigeration to set the graham cracker base, creating a quicker dessert option.
  • Nutty Chocolate Peppermint Variation: Add crushed toasted almonds or pecans to the graham cracker crust for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

What To Pair With Chocolate Peppermint Grahams

  • Intensify Mint Flavors: Brew a warm cup of peppermint tea or hot chocolate, enhancing the dessert's cool mint undertones and creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Complement Chocolate Richness: Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet Port, which balances the chocolate's deep notes and cuts through the dessert's sweetness.
  • Cool Down the Palate: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, providing a creamy contrast to the crunchy candy cane topping and refreshing the taste buds.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Offer a shot of espresso or a smooth Irish cream liqueur, adding depth and sophistication to the peppermint chocolate treat.

Storage Help For Chocolate Peppermint Grahams

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Keep at cool room temperature for 2-3 hours, but return to refrigerator to maintain chocolate's firm consistency and prevent melting.
  • Gently warm individual pieces in microwave for 5-10 seconds on low power, or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften chocolate layer slightly before enjoying.

Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Common Questions

  • What ingredients make the graham cracker crust special?

The crust combines graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar, creating a sweet and buttery foundation that provides a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dessert.

  • How do I ensure the chocolate layer is smooth and shiny?

Use a double boiler method when melting chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, silky texture that spreads evenly.

  • Can I adjust the peppermint flavor intensity?

Yes, control the peppermint extract amount to suit your taste. Start with a small quantity and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of minty freshness.

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Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet graham crackers meet rich chocolate and cool peppermint in this festive chocolate peppermint grahams dessert. Holiday cheer sparkles through crisp layers of indulgent flavor, inviting you to savor each delightful, minty bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate Layer:

  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Peppermint Topping:

  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring a uniform texture.
  3. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand and can hold its shape when pressed.
  4. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer.
  5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  6. Create the chocolate layer by melting chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a double boiler, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
  7. Whisk butter into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated and silky.
  8. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  9. Refrigerate the pan for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set and firm up.
  10. Crush candy canes into fine, delicate fragments using a food processor or rolling pin.
  11. Melt white chocolate chips and stir in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt to create a fragrant drizzle.
  12. Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the set chocolate layer.
  13. Drizzle the peppermint white chocolate across the surface in elegant, crisscrossing patterns.
  14. Chill the dessert for an additional 30 minutes to fully set and develop flavors.
  15. Lift the dessert out of the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into squares or triangles for serving.

Notes

  • Crumb Consistency Matters: Pulverize graham crackers thoroughly to ensure a smooth, compact base that holds together perfectly without crumbling.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and chocolate to slightly warm up for smoother mixing and more even incorporation, preventing lumpy textures.
  • Chocolate Melting Technique: Use low, gentle heat when melting chocolate to prevent burning and maintain a silky, glossy finish that enhances the dessert’s overall quality.
  • Peppermint Intensity Control: Adjust peppermint extract quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and tasting to achieve the desired minty flavor without overwhelming the chocolate.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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