Peppermint Chocolate Indulgence

Last December, I crushed candy canes a little too enthusiastically and sent peppermint shards across the counter. My dog looked up, confused by the sudden winter storm indoors. I swept up the mess, melted dark chocolate anyway, and realized how little you actually need to make something feel like a celebration. That batch disappeared before dinner.

I started making this for coworkers during the holidays, but it became my go-to whenever I needed something quick and impressive. One year I brought it to a potluck and someone asked if I'd ordered it from a chocolatier. I didn't correct them right away.

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate (200 g, 70% cocoa): The backbone of this whole thing. Cheap chocolate seizes weird and tastes waxy, so spend the extra dollar on something that actually melts smooth and snaps clean.
• Peppermint extract (1/2 tsp): A little goes a long way. I once added a full teaspoon and it tasted like I'd dipped the chocolate in mouthwash, so measure carefully and taste as you go.
• Crushed peppermint candies (30 g): Candy canes work beautifully here. I crush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin because it's oddly satisfying and keeps the mess contained.

Instructions

Prep your surface:

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. This sounds obvious, but I forgot once and spent twenty minutes scraping chocolate off a pan with a butter knife.

Melt the chocolate:

Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. The goal is silky, not scorched. If it smells burnt, you've gone too far.

Add the peppermint:

Stir in the extract off the heat so it blends evenly. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a snow globe.

Spread and top:

Pour onto the sheet, spread thin, then scatter the crushed candies on top. Press them down gently so they stick when the chocolate sets.

Chill and break:

Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes until firm. Then snap it into jagged pieces like you're breaking ice on a frozen pond.

Save

I gave a tin of this to my neighbor one year and she told me weeks later she'd been rationing it, one piece every night after her kids went to bed. That felt better than any thank-you card.

How to Store It

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature if your house runs cool, or in the fridge if it's warm. It lasts up to two weeks, though I've never seen a batch survive past five days. The peppermint candies might soften slightly over time, but the flavor stays bright.

Ways to Change It Up

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark layer before adding the peppermint for a striped look that photographs well. Swap the candies for chopped almonds or freeze-dried raspberries if you want something less festive but still interesting. I've even used espresso powder instead of peppermint extract when I wanted a mocha version, and it worked beautifully.

What You Really Need to Know

This recipe is forgiving in all the right ways. The chocolate doesn't care if your kitchen is messy or if you're wearing pajamas at three in the afternoon. It just wants low heat, a gentle hand, and a little patience while it sets.

• Use parchment paper, not wax paper, or you'll end up peeling wax off the bottom of every piece.
• Crush the candies fine if you want them to stick better, or leave them chunky if you like the crunch.
• Taste the chocolate after adding extract. You can always add more, but you can't take it back.

Save

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you know what you're doing, even when you're winging it. Make it once and it'll become your reliable move whenever you need something sweet, fast, and a little bit special.

Your Questions Answered

→ What chocolate works best for this treat?

High-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa is recommended for a rich, smooth flavor and ideal melting texture.

→ Can I use microwave instead of double boiler?

Yes, melting chocolate in 30-second intervals with stirring in between works well to prevent burning.

→ How long should I chill the chocolate mixture?

Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until the chocolate is completely firm and set.

→ Are there alternatives to peppermint candies for topping?

Crushed chocolate chips or chopped nuts provide variation while maintaining texture and flavor balance.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian and gluten-free, but check chocolate labels for allergen information.