Christmas Peppermint Creams (Print Version)

Creamy, minty confections drizzled with dark chocolate - a festive holiday treat that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

# Ingredients:

→ Peppermint Cream Base

01 - 1 tbsp condensed milk (full-fat)
02 - 1 to 2 tsp peppermint extract
03 - 14 oz powdered sugar, sifted

→ Chocolate Coating

04 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, condensed milk, peppermint extract, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix thoroughly to form a stiff paste. If the mixture is too dry, add more water, one teaspoon at a time. If too runny, add extra powdered sugar until reaching the desired consistency.
02 - Dust a clean work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll the peppermint paste out to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness.
03 - Dip a 4 cm (1.5 inch) diameter cutter in powdered sugar, then stamp out 24 rounds from the rolled paste. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to dry slightly before proceeding.
04 - In a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
05 - Spoon the melted chocolate into a piping bag fitted with a small, plain nozzle. Pipe the chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over the dried peppermint rounds, ensuring each is decorated to your preference.
06 - Place the decorated rounds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

# Notes:

01 - These peppermint creams make wonderful holiday gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.