Frosted Peppermint Kiss 7 Magical Secrets for Perfect Holiday Bliss

Frosted Peppermint Kiss is the ultimate solution to boring holiday beverages that taste like liquid candy canes or leave you with a sugar headache. Tired of overly sweet, artificially flavored drinks that make you wince with every sip? This creamy, refreshing peppermint drink delivers balanced sweetness, natural mint flavor, and that perfect frosty consistency that makes every sip feel like a winter wonderland in a glass.

I’m Simon, and this Frosted Peppermint Kiss was born during a particularly chaotic December when we were testing holiday recipes for the blog. Megan was knee-deep in cookie dough, Jackson was experimenting with glazed turkey, and I was desperately trying to create a festive drink that didn’t taste like toothpaste or liquid sugar. After seventeen attempts (yes, seventeen Olivia has the photos to prove it), we finally nailed the perfect ratio of cream to peppermint, with just enough chocolate to make it feel indulgent without overpowering the mint. The “kiss” part? That’s the hint of vanilla and the frothy top that makes you feel like you’re drinking a cloud.

This isn’t just another holiday drink recipe. It’s perfectly balanced, naturally refreshing, and sophisticated enough for adult holiday parties yet kid friendly enough for family gatherings. In this guide, you’ll discover the secrets to choosing quality peppermint, creating that perfect frosty texture, mastering the blend technique, and exploring creative variations that’ll keep this drink exciting all season long.

Why This Frosted Peppermint Kiss Recipe Works

This Frosted Peppermint Kiss isn’t your average holiday beverage. Here’s exactly why it succeeds where other peppermint drinks fall flat:

• Uses real peppermint extract instead of artificial syrups, giving you clean, authentic mint flavor without chemical aftertaste
• Ready in just 5 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous holiday gatherings or busy weeknight treats
• Naturally cooling and refreshing without being overly sweet or cloying like store-bought versions
• Customizable sweetness levels so you control exactly how sweet or subtle your drink tastes
• Kid and adult-friendly making it perfect for any holiday celebration from family brunches to New Year’s parties
• No special equipment required just a blender and basic kitchen tools you already own

The secret is in the technique: we blend ice with cream and milk to create that signature frosty texture, then add peppermint at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor. The touch of vanilla balances the mint’s sharpness, while a hint of chocolate adds depth without turning it into a chocolate drink. It’s all about harmony.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Quality ingredients transform this Frosted Peppermint Kiss from good to unforgettable. Let me guide you through what to buy and why it matters.

Best Peppermint Options for This Recipe

Pure peppermint extract is non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Brands like McCormick, Nielsen-Massey, or Simply Organic deliver clean mint taste without artificial undertones. You need surprisingly little—just 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon for the entire recipe. Too much and you’ll get toothpaste vibes; too little and it won’t taste minty enough.

Fresh mint leaves can supplement the extract for visual appeal and subtle fresh mint notes, but they won’t provide enough concentrated flavor on their own. Use them as a garnish or muddle 4-5 leaves into the drink for an extra layer of freshness.

Peppermint syrup (like Torani) works in a pinch, but adjust your sugar accordingly since syrups add sweetness. If using syrup, reduce the granulated sugar by half and add syrup to taste, starting with 2 tablespoons.

Dairy Selection Tips

Heavy cream creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this drink special. It blends beautifully with ice without becoming watery. Don’t use half-and-half as your only dairy it lacks the richness needed for proper body.

Whole milk balances the cream, preventing the drink from becoming too heavy. The combination of cream and milk gives you that perfect creamy-but-drinkable consistency.

For the frothiest top, use cold heavy cream that’s been sitting in the refrigerator. Cold cream whips better and creates more stable foam when blended.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dairy-free version: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a can of coconut milk) and use oat milk or almond milk in place of regular milk. The texture stays creamy and rich.

Sugar alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for natural sweetness. Stevia or monk fruit sweetener work for sugar-free versions, but start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Chocolate options: Use cocoa powder (1 tablespoon) for a deeper chocolate flavor, chocolate syrup for sweeter results, or mini chocolate chips that blend into flecks throughout the drink.

Ingredients & Prep for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Getting your ingredients properly measured and prepared makes this Frosted Peppermint Kiss come together in minutes.

Drink Prep Essentials

Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before making the drink. Frosted glasses keep your drink colder longer and look incredibly festive. Have your blender ready and clear counter space for easy assembly.

If using fresh mint as garnish, wash and dry the leaves, then store them between damp paper towels in the refrigerator until ready to use. Crush candy canes in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin if you plan to rim your glasses.

Core Frosted Peppermint Kiss Ingredients

• 2 cups ice cubes (about 12-15 ice cubes)
• 1 cup whole milk, cold
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Pinch of salt (enhances all flavors)

Garnish & Topping Options

• Whipped cream (homemade or canned)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder dust
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate or strawberry sauce drizzle

Pantry Staples

Keep these basics stocked for spontaneous Frosted Peppermint Kiss cravings: pure peppermint extract (it lasts for years in your pantry), quality cocoa powder, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and your favorite chocolate syrup. Heavy cream freezes well, so stock up during sales and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect Frosted Peppermint Kiss drinks every single time.

Pre-Blending Prep for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Retrieve your chilled glasses from the freezer. If you want candy cane rims, wet the rim of each glass with a damp paper towel or corn syrup, then dip into crushed candy canes on a small plate, rotating to coat evenly. Set rimmed glasses aside.

Measure all your ingredients and have them within arm’s reach of your blender. Cold ingredients are crucial if your milk or cream have been sitting out, put them back in the fridge for 10 minutes. The colder everything is, the better your final texture will be.

Blending Method for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Add ingredients to your blender in this order: ice cubes first (they help break up and blend other ingredients), then milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup), vanilla extract, and finally peppermint extract. Adding peppermint last helps preserve its bright flavor.

Add a tiny pinch of salt. This seems odd in a sweet drink, but salt enhances all the other flavors and makes the peppermint taste more vibrant.

Secure the blender lid tightly (trust me, you don’t want a peppermint explosion). Start on low speed for 10 seconds to break up the ice, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and frothy. The mixture should look like a thick, creamy milkshake with no visible ice chunks.

Testing Consistency for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Stop the blender and check the texture. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick and not blending smoothly, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin and icy, add a few more ice cubes or a splash more cream, then blend.

Taste the mixture (this is the best part!). Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar 1 teaspoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition. If the peppermint flavor is too subtle, add another 1/4 teaspoon extract and blend. Remember: you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Serving Your Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Pour the frosty mixture into your prepared glasses, dividing evenly. Work quickly so it stays cold and thick. Fill glasses about three-quarters full to leave room for toppings.

Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, dust with cocoa powder, add chocolate shavings, or drizzle with chocolate syrup. Get creative! Tuck a sprig of fresh mint into the whipped cream for that professional café look.

Insert a straw (paper or reusable straws are festive) and serve immediately. This drink is best enjoyed fresh when it’s at peak frostiness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Frosted Peppermint Kiss

After making countless batches of Frosted Peppermint Kiss, here are the insider secrets that guarantee success every time.

Avoiding Watery or Overly Sweet Frosted Peppermint Kiss

The enemy of a perfect frosty drink is melted ice. Use frozen glasses and work quickly from blender to serving. Don’t let the mixture sit in the blender for more than a minute before pouring.

If your drink is too sweet, it’s likely from using both chocolate syrup and the full amount of sugar. When using chocolate syrup, reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons. Taste as you go and adjust incrementally.

For the cleanest peppermint flavor, avoid mixing peppermint extract with mint-flavored syrups. Choose one or the other. Extract gives you more control over sweetness levels.

Tool Recommendations for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

A high-powered blender (like Vitamix, Ninja, or Blendtec) creates the smoothest, most consistent texture. If you have a standard blender, add ice cubes one at a time and blend longer to ensure no chunks remain.

Wide-mouth glasses or mason jars work beautifully for serving. The wider opening makes it easier to add toppings and looks more impressive. Hurricane glasses or Irish coffee glasses are perfect for a fancy presentation.

A citrus reamer or the back of a spoon works great for crushing candy canes. Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet for fine, even pieces.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

This drink is best enjoyed immediately after blending. However, you can prep the dry ingredients and measure liquids ahead of time. Store pre-measured sugar and cocoa powder together in a small container. Keep dairy refrigerated until ready to blend.

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible), pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Use these peppermint cubes in future drinks, blend them into smoothies, or re-blend with a splash of milk for a quick treat.

Pre-make the drink and freeze in popsicle molds for Frosted Peppermint Kiss ice pops—kids love these, and they’re perfect for hot summer days when you’re craving holiday flavors.

Flavor Variations for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

This Frosted Peppermint Kiss recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are my favorite ways to switch it up throughout the holiday season.

Mocha Peppermint Kiss

Add 1-2 shots of strong brewed espresso or 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the blender. The coffee amplifies the chocolate flavor and adds sophisticated depth. This version is perfect for morning holiday brunches or an afternoon pick-me-up. Adults will love the subtle coffee kick that doesn’t overpower the peppermint.

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss

Replace the cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons white chocolate syrup or melt 2 ounces white chocolate chips with the cream in the microwave before blending. The white chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier version that tastes like liquid white chocolate peppermint bark. Garnish with white chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

Skinny Peppermint Kiss

Use unsweetened almond milk, reduced-fat coconut milk, or skim milk instead of whole milk. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for protein and creaminess. Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Skip the chocolate entirely or use sugar-free chocolate syrup. This version cuts calories by nearly 60% while keeping that frosty, minty goodness.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Kiss

Want a warm version? Skip the ice and heat the milk and cream together in a saucepan until steaming (don’t boil). Remove from heat, whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. This transforms into a cozy hot chocolate perfect for cold winter nights.

Variation Comparison Table

Serving Suggestions for Frosted Peppermint Kiss

This Frosted Peppermint Kiss is incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into any holiday celebration.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve alongside holiday cookies, especially chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or gingerbread. The cool, minty drink balances rich, sweet cookies beautifully. Brownies, chocolate cake, or holiday fudge also pair wonderfully—the peppermint cuts through chocolate’s richness.

For brunch, serve with cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or festive pancakes. The refreshing mint wakes up your palate and complements sweet breakfast treats without overwhelming them.

Create a dessert bar with various toppings: crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, colored sprinkles, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Let guests customize their own Frosted Peppermint Kiss creations for interactive holiday fun.

Occasion Ideas

Christmas morning breakfast: Serve in festive mugs alongside your traditional holiday breakfast. Kids will be thrilled to start Christmas day with this special treat.

Holiday cookie exchange: Set up a Frosted Peppermint Kiss bar where guests can make their drinks while sharing cookies. It becomes both beverage and entertainment.

New Year’s Eve party: Serve in champagne flutes with candy cane stirrers for an elegant, alcohol-free option that looks just as fancy as cocktails.

Winter birthday parties: Kids and adults alike love this as an alternative to typical party beverages. Make a big batch in advance and let guests serve themselves.

Cozy movie nights: Whip up a batch for family movie marathons. It pairs perfectly with popcorn and makes any movie feel like a special occasion.

Presentation Tips

Rim glasses with crushed candy canes or colored sugar for visual impact. Use red and white striped straws or candy cane-shaped stirrers. Garnish with a whole mini candy cane hooked over the rim—it doubles as a stirrer and decoration.

For photos (hello, Olivia’s influence!), place drinks on a rustic wooden board with scattered peppermint candies, fresh pine sprigs, and cinnamon sticks around the base. The contrast of white frosty drinks against dark wood and green pine is stunning.

FAQs About Frosted Peppermint Kiss

Can I make Frosted Peppermint Kiss ahead of time?

The drink itself doesn’t store well once blended—it separates and loses that perfect frosty texture within 30 minutes. However, you can prep all ingredients, measure them into containers, and keep everything refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply dump everything in the blender and blend. Takes less than 2 minutes from fridge to glass.

Why does my Frosted Peppermint Kiss taste too minty or like toothpaste?

You’ve added too much peppermint extract. This is the most common mistake! Peppermint extract is incredibly concentrated—a little goes a long way. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon and taste, then add more in 1/8 teaspoon increments. Also, balance is key: make sure you’re using enough chocolate and vanilla to round out the mint flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a chilled can of coconut milk) in place of heavy cream. Replace whole milk with oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk. Oat milk creates the creamiest texture among plant-based options. The drink will be slightly less rich but still delicious and plenty frosty.

How do I make Frosted Peppermint Kiss for a crowd?

This recipe serves 2 generously. To make 8 servings, multiply all ingredients by 4, but blend in batches—most blenders can’t handle quadruple recipes at once. Blend two batches back-to-back and pour into a large pitcher. Give it a good stir before serving since some settling occurs. Work quickly and serve immediately for best texture.

Is Frosted Peppermint Kiss safe for kids?

Yes! This recipe contains no restricted ingredients and is completely family-friendly. Kids typically love the sweet, minty flavor. If making specifically for young children, you might reduce the peppermint extract slightly since kids can be sensitive to strong mint flavors. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a milder mint taste.

Can I use crushed ice instead of ice cubes?

Ice cubes work better because they blend more evenly and create a smoother texture. Crushed ice can make the drink too watery as it melts faster during blending. If you only have crushed ice, use about 25% more by volume and blend for less time to compensate.

Why is my drink separating or looking icy?

This happens when ingredients aren’t cold enough when you start, or if the drink sits too long before serving. Always use cold dairy straight from the fridge, frozen glasses, and serve immediately after blending. If separation starts, give it a quick stir with a spoon or re-blend for 10 seconds.

Can I add protein powder to make this more filling?

Yes! Vanilla or chocolate protein powder works well. Add 1-2 scoops (depending on serving size) and reduce the sugar slightly since most protein powders are sweetened. Blend an extra 15 seconds to ensure the powder incorporates completely. This turns your Frosted Peppermint Kiss into a protein-packed breakfast or post-workout treat.

Conclusion

There you have it: everything you need to make the perfect Frosted Peppermint Kiss that’ll become your signature holiday drink. This isn’t just another seasonal beverage—it’s your ticket to creating memorable moments, delighting guests, and bringing a little extra magic to your winter celebrations.

The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity and versatility. Make it classic for family movie nights, dress it up for holiday parties, lighten it for health-conscious friends, or warm it up for cozy evenings by the fire. Every variation is delicious, and every sip feels like a celebration.

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Frosted Peppermint Kiss 7 Magical Secrets for Perfect Holiday Bliss

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• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Frosted Peppermint Kiss Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with creamy peppermint frosting and finished with a Hershey’s Kiss for a festive holiday treat bursting with minty sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Red and white sparkling sugar (for coating)

30 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped

Frosting:

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

1/4 tsp peppermint extract

1 drop pink or red food coloring (optional)

Crushed peppermint candy, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.

5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat with red and white sparkling sugar.

7. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.

9. Cool for 5 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.

10. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.

11. To make the frosting, beat butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, cream, and peppermint extract until fluffy.

12. Add food coloring if desired, and pipe or spread onto cooled cookies.

13. Top with crushed peppermint candy for garnish.

Notes

Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months—bake straight from frozen with an extra minute of baking time.

You can swap Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses for chocolate or mint truffle Kisses.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For extra sparkle, drizzle with melted white chocolate before adding the Kiss.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 15
• Sodium: 85
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 3
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 22
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 1
• Cholesterol: 25

Keywords: frosted peppermint kiss cookies, holiday cookies, christmas cookie recipe, peppermint sugar cookies, candy cane kiss cookies