If you have a sweet tooth but dread the long hours of baking, you’ll absolutely adore these No Bake Mint Candy Melts. This delightful treat is as easy as it is delicious, bringing a refreshing twist to traditional candies. Perfect for anyone who loves a hint of minty freshness in a sweet treat, these candies require no oven space, making them a beloved choice especially during the bustling holiday season. Whether you’re preparing a dessert platter for a festive gathering or looking to craft homemade gifts, these mint candy melts offer a burst of flavor wrapped in creamy chocolate.
The beauty of these No Bake Mint Candy Melts lies in their simplicity. With a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a delectable sweet that promises to impress. Featuring rich chocolate on the outside and a luscious minty center, these candies provide a refreshing aftertaste that’s sure to leave an impression. Not only do they taste heavenly, but they also double as a personalized gift when packaged beautifully. You might just find that these candies become a new staple in your dessert repertoire, beloved for both their flavor and their ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Mint Candy Melts
- No Oven Required: With no baking involved, they’re perfect for hot days or when you need a quick dessert.
- Minty Freshness: The peppermint extract provides a burst of refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Customizable: Use food coloring, garnishes like crushed candy canes, or your favorite sprinkles to personalize each candy.
- Gift-Worthy: These candies make excellent homemade gifts when packaged in beautiful boxes or bags.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of these No Bake Mint Candy Melts, ensure your kitchen is prepped for the task. Begin by cleaning and clearing your countertop to provide ample space for working and setting your ingredients. A large mixing bowl and spoon or electric mixer will be useful for creating the candy dough. For shaping and chilling the candies, have a parchment-lined baking sheet ready. The parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes handling and transferring the candies easier.
In addition, you’ll need a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate coating smoothly. A fork or a dipping tool will be handy for dipping the candies and ensuring even chocolate coverage. Silicone spatulas are also recommended for scraping out every bit of dough and chocolate, maximizing your ingredient usage. With your kitchen tools and space adequately prepared, the process of crafting these candies becomes a seamless, enjoyable experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Gel food coloring (green or your choice, optional)
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening
- Optional Garnishes: Crushed candy canes, Sprinkles, Edible glitter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Candy Dough
Begin by combining your powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until these ingredients form a smooth, cohesive dough. For a touch of color, add a few drops of your chosen gel food coloring, then knead until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Shape the Candies
Next, roll the prepared dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Once rolled, gently flatten these balls to create disc-like shapes. Carefully arrange these discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To firm them up, place the sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
While the candy discs are setting, use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate mixture is completely smooth and silky.
Step 4: Coat the Candies
With the chocolate ready, dip each candy disc fully into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and return them to the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 5: Decorate and Set
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the candies with optional garnishes like crushed candy canes or sprinkles to add a decorative touch. Return them to the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, arrange the finished candies on a serving platter or package them in gift boxes for a delightful treat that’s ready to enjoy.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding crushed nuts to the dough for a bit of crunch and added protein.
- Vegetables: While unconventional, adding finely grated beetroot can act as a natural dye and add earthy sweetness.
- Spices: For a holiday twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the candy dough.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure butter is truly softened for easier mixing and smooth texture in the dough.
- If the dough feels too sticky, a bit more powdered sugar can help maintain the right consistency.
- Be cautious with the peppermint extract—too much can overpower the candy’s flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these mint candies chilled alongside a hot cup of coffee for a refreshing treat.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream to add a contrasting texture and temperature.
Tips
- For quick cooling, place the candies in the freezer for a few minutes instead of the refrigerator.
- Experiment with different chocolate varieties, like white chocolate, for diverse flavors.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: Details not provided, calculate accordingly based on additional ingredients.
- Sodium: Minimal, primarily from butter and any added toppings.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract for flavor?
Absolutely, if you’re not a fan of peppermint, try vanilla or almond extract for a different taste.
Is it possible to make these candies vegan?
Yes, simply swap the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives, and ensure the chocolate is dairy-free.
How do I store these candies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What if my chocolate begins to harden too quickly?
Rewarm the chocolate in the microwave at 15-second intervals until smooth and easy to work with again.
Conclusion
With their refreshing minty taste and easy preparation, these No Bake Mint Candy Melts are a must-try for any candy enthusiast. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, they offer a blend of deliciousness and convenience that’s hard to beat. Feel free to experiment with different variations, shapes, and decorations to truly make them your own. We hope you’ll share your creations or any personal twists, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your feedback or questions. Indulge in these sweet bites of minty bliss, and revel in the compliments sure to come your way!
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No Bake Mint Candy Melts
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 candies 1x
Description
These no bake mint candy melts are quick, delicious, and perfect for any mint lover. With refreshing minty taste, they are a delightful treat without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Gel food coloring (green or your choice, optional)
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening
- Optional Garnishes: Crushed candy canes, Sprinkles, Edible glitter
Instructions
- Begin by combining your powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until these ingredients form a smooth, cohesive dough. For a touch of color, add a few drops of your chosen gel food coloring, then knead until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Next, roll the prepared dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Once rolled, gently flatten these balls to create disc-like shapes. Carefully arrange these discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To firm them up, place the sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
- While the candy discs are setting, use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate mixture is completely smooth and silky.
- With the chocolate ready, dip each candy disc fully into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and return them to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle the candies with optional garnishes like crushed candy canes or sprinkles to add a decorative touch. Return them to the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
- Finally, arrange the finished candies on a serving platter or package them in gift boxes for a delightful treat that’s ready to enjoy.
Notes
Ensure butter is truly softened for easier mixing; if the dough feels too sticky, a bit more powdered sugar can help; be cautious with the peppermint extract—too much can overpower the candy’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: Minimal
- Protein: Details not provided, calculate accordingly based on additional ingredients.