Get ready to spread some serious holiday cheer with our delightful Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Squares! These vibrant, festive treats are a hallmark of the season, bursting with the perfect balance of cool mint and rich chocolate. This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy to prepare, making it the ideal dessert for busy parents and beginners during the hectic holiday season.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Squares
These Christmas squares are more than just a dessert; they are a holiday experience! Discover why they will become your new favorite festive bake.
- Classic Flavor Combo: Enjoy the timeless pairing of refreshing peppermint and rich, decadent chocolate in every bite.
- Simple & Straightforward: Our step-by-step guide makes this recipe incredibly easy, even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Holidays: These squares are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, cookie exchanges, or as heartfelt homemade gifts.
- Visually Stunning: With their distinct layers and festive toppings, these bars look as good as they taste, adding a pop of color to any spread.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare them in advance to free up valuable time during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
Creating these decadent Christmas squares requires just a few readily available ingredients for each delicious layer. Let’s gather what you need!
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (170g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Fudge Layer
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (113g) softened unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional, for vibrant holiday color)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup (85g) melted dark chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a gluten-free option, swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Feel free to vary the extract in the fudge layer with vanilla, almond, or orange for a different taste profile. Adjust the green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of festive mint. For the topping, experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips. To add extra texture and richness to the crust, incorporate a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes baking a breeze! For these delicious Christmas squares, you will need a few essential items.
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Handheld or stand mixer
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Spatula, measuring cups, and spoons
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create perfect Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Squares. You’ll have a festive, delicious treat in no time!
Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the shortbread crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before adding the next layer. This is crucial for maintaining distinct layers in your delightful holiday treats.
Make the Peppermint Fudge Layer
While the crust cools, prepare the peppermint fudge layer. In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring, if using, until the desired festive shade is achieved. Slowly add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the fudge layer is smooth, thick, and spreadable. Don’t overmix. Gently fold in the melted dark chocolate chips into the peppermint mixture. Carefully spread this vibrant peppermint fudge layer evenly over the completely cooled shortbread crust using an offset spatula.
Create the Chocolate Topping
Once the peppermint layer is spread, prepare the luscious chocolate topping. In a small saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the chocolate is fully melted and a smooth, glossy ganache forms. Remove from heat immediately. Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the peppermint fudge layer, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure an even coating. While the chocolate is still wet, generously sprinkle the crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles over the top for a beautiful holiday finish.
Chill and Serve
Place the baking pan in the refrigerator. Chill the Christmas squares for at least 2 hours, or until all layers are firm and set. Once completely firm, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block from the pan. For clean cuts, heat a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice the squares. Repeat this heating and wiping for each cut. Cut the dessert into desired square or rectangular shapes. Serve your delicious Peppermint Chocolate Christmas squares chilled, or let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for a slightly softer texture.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Christmas squares is simple with a few expert tips. Keep these in mind for the best results!
- Cool Completely: Ensure your shortbread crust is fully cooled before adding the fudge layer. This prevents melting and ensures crisp layers.
- Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate chips for both the fudge and topping; it truly makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix Fudge: Overmixing the fudge layer can make it tough. Mix just until smooth and combined.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample chilling time. Fully firm Christmas squares are much easier to cut into neat, beautiful pieces.
- Hot Knife for Slicing: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean before each cut for perfectly clean edges every time.
- Fudge Too Sticky? If your fudge layer seems too soft or sticky, gradually beat in a little more sifted powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Ganache Too Thick? If your chocolate ganache topping appears too thick, stir in a tiny bit more warm heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it smooths out.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These delightful Christmas squares are versatile for any holiday occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Present these vibrant Christmas squares on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. They pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a freshly brewed coffee. Package individual squares in small bags or decorative boxes for thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
Storage
Store the cooled Christmas squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. If you plan to make them well in advance, they freeze beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations
- Gingerbread Christmas Squares: Create a spiced gingerbread crust and top with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.
- Caramel Pecan Christmas Squares: Add a gooey caramel layer over the shortbread and sprinkle with toasted pecans before the chocolate topping.
- Eggnog Christmas Squares: Infuse the fudge layer with eggnog instead of milk and add a pinch of nutmeg for a festive, boozy flavor.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Squares: Use a white chocolate fudge layer studded with dried cranberries, topped with a white chocolate ganache.
Nutrition
These Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Squares are a rich and indulgent holiday treat. An estimated serving typically contains around 350-400 calories. This includes approximately 20-25g of fat, 40-50g of carbohydrates, and 2-3g of protein.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per square) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 38g |
| Protein | 3g |
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, consider using an online recipe calculator with your exact ingredients.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about making these easy holiday Christmas squares.
- Q: Can I make these squares dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter, use a dairy-free milk alternative, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips. - Q: How long do these squares take to set?
A: They typically need at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to set firmly, but overnight chilling ensures the best results for clean cuts. - Q: What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
A: You can use vanilla extract for a chocolate vanilla square, or omit it for a simple chocolate fudge bar. The flavor profile will change. - Q: Can I use different types of sprinkles?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any festive sprinkles you have on hand instead of crushed candy canes to match your holiday theme. - Q: Why did my chocolate topping seize?
A: Chocolate can seize if it gets too hot too quickly, or if even a tiny bit of water gets into it. Melt it gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Squares this holiday season! Their irresistible flavor and stunning appearance make them a truly special addition to any festive table. This simple, beginner-friendly recipe ensures that everyone can create these impressive treats. Happy holidays and joyful baking from Sweet Emily – may your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aroma of homemade Christmas squares!
For more information on why the quality of chocolate matters in baking, explore how cocoa content impacts flavor and texture.
Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Combine crushed chocolate wafers and melted butter, then press firmly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Refrigerate the base for 15 minutes to set while preparing the next layer.
- Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Evenly spread the peppermint mixture over the chilled chocolate base.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the peppermint layer is firm.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peppermint layer, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets.
- Chill the squares for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is completely firm.
- Lift the squares out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, then cut into desired square sizes before serving.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
