Chocolate Peppermint Grahams Recipe

Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams: A Delightful Holiday Treat

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, joy, and creating memories with loved ones. What better way to celebrate than with a super easy and delicious treat that everyone will love? Introducing Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams—a festive dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. This recipe, adapted from RecipeBoy.com, combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint with the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table, and it’s so simple that even the little ones can help out!

Ingredients

Before diving into the steps, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these delightful treats:

• One 12-ounce bag dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate): Dark chocolate adds a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet candy canes, balancing the overall flavor of the treat.
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional): This ingredient amplifies the peppermint flavor, making the treats extra minty and festive.
• 15 squares graham crackers: These provide the crunchy base for the dessert, offering a perfect textural contrast to the smooth chocolate and crushed candies.
• Smashed candy canes or peppermint candies: These colorful and crunchy toppings not only add visual appeal but also infuse the treat with classic holiday flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

Start by placing the dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 2 to 3 minutes, stopping to stir after every minute. This ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t burn. Once the chocolate is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract if you’re using it. The extract is optional, but it adds a lovely burst of peppermint flavor that pairs beautifully with the candy cane topping.

Step 2: Dip the Graham Crackers

Next, drop a graham cracker square into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to turn it over and coat all sides with chocolate. Once the graham cracker is fully covered, gently wiggle it to let any excess chocolate drip off. Place the chocolate-covered graham cracker on a sheet of wax paper. If any spots on the graham cracker are missing chocolate, use a spoon to dab a little extra on those areas. This step can get a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Step 3: Add the Candy Cane Topping

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the smashed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top of each graham cracker. The candy pieces will stick to the chocolate as it sets, adding a delightful crunch and festive look to the treats.

Step 4: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the graham crackers to sit at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the graham crackers in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams are ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Each serving of this delightful treat contains approximately 127 calories, making it a relatively light indulgence compared to other holiday desserts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 127 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 0.2mg
• Sodium: 31mg
• Potassium: 146mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Vitamin A: 2 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.1mg
• Calcium: 70mg
• Iron: 0.3mg

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate can make a significant difference in the taste of your treats. Opt for a good brand of dark chocolate to ensure a rich and smooth coating.
2. Crush the Candy Canes Thoroughly: Make sure the candy canes or peppermint candies are finely crushed. Larger pieces may not stick well to the chocolate and can make the treats harder to eat.
3. Work Quickly: Chocolate can start to harden as it cools, so it’s best to dip and decorate the graham crackers quickly to ensure the toppings adhere well.
4. Get Creative with Toppings: While crushed candy canes are a classic choice, you can also experiment with other toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even colored sugar to add a personal touch to your treats.

Making Memories

One of the best parts of making Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams is that it’s a fun and interactive activity that can involve the whole family. Kids will love dipping the graham crackers in chocolate and sprinkling the candy cane pieces on top. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting holiday memories while enjoying a delicious treat.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to consider:

1. White Chocolate and Cranberries: Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate and sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a sweet and tangy twist.
2. Milk Chocolate and Almonds: Substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate and sprinkle chopped almonds over the top for a nutty flavor.
3. Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the melted chocolate for a subtle spicy kick that pairs surprisingly well with the peppermint.

Storing Your Treats

Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Sharing and Gifting

One of the joys of the holiday season is sharing treats with others. Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams make an excellent gift for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. Here are some creative ways to package and present them:

1. Holiday Gift Boxes: Arrange the graham crackers in festive holiday boxes lined with parchment paper. Add a decorative bow, and you have a beautifully presented gift.
2. Cellophane Bags: Place the graham crackers in clear cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon. Attach a handwritten tag with a holiday greeting or the recipe details for a personal touch.
3. Mason Jars: Stack the graham crackers in mason jars and seal with a festive lid. This method not only looks charming but also keeps the treats fresh.
4. Tins: Holiday-themed tins are perfect for gifting these treats. Layer the graham crackers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

The Perfect Addition to Holiday Gatherings

These chocolate dipped graham crackers are not just for gifting; they make a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering. Serve them at parties, family get-togethers, or as a special treat after a holiday meal. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of milk.

A Treat for All Ages

One of the best aspects of Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams is that they are loved by people of all ages. Kids will be delighted by the colorful candy cane topping and the sweet taste, while adults will appreciate the rich dark chocolate and the nostalgic combination of flavors. They’re a crowd-pleaser that can bring joy to anyone during the holiday season.

A Simple Joy

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in elaborate preparations and forget the simple joys. This recipe embodies the idea that sometimes the best treats are the simplest ones. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create something that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Celebrating with Tradition

Peppermint and chocolate are classic holiday flavors that evoke a sense of tradition and nostalgia. By making Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams, you’re participating in a timeless holiday practice of creating and sharing festive treats. This recipe can easily become a cherished holiday tradition in your household, passed down and enjoyed for years to come.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Grahams are an easy, delicious, and festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for yourself, to share at a holiday gathering, or to give as gifts, these treats are sure to bring joy and delight. With their rich chocolate coating, crunchy graham cracker base, and refreshing peppermint topping, they capture the essence of the holidays in every bite.

So this holiday season, gather your loved ones, head to the kitchen, and enjoy making these delightful treats together. Embrace the simplicity, relish the process, and savor the delicious results. Happy holidays, and may your celebrations be filled with sweet moments and tasty treats!