Peppermint Pie Recipe: A Cool and Creamy Holiday Treat

 When it comes to desserts that bring joy to the table, Peppermint Pie is a showstopper. With its refreshingly cool flavor and a touch of festive charm, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a sweet treat any time of the year. The creamy, minty filling paired with a crunchy chocolate crust is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, it’s simple to make, requiring no baking! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your very own peppermint pie.

For the Crust:

• 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
• 6-8 drops red food coloring (optional, for a festive pink shade)
• 1 ½ cups crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (plus extra for garnish)

Topping (Optional but highly recommended):

• Whipped cream
• Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Start by making the crust. Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs.
2. Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to compact it tightly.
4. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

1. Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside.

Step 3: Make the Peppermint Filling

1. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the peppermint extract and food coloring, if using, and mix well. (The food coloring is optional but adds a fun and festive touch to your pie.)
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream, a bit at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

1. Fold in the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, stirring just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the peppermint filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. When ready to serve, top the pie with dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, or even some chocolate shavings for a rich twist.
2. Slice and serve this cool dessert to family and friends, and watch the smiles spread!

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Pie

• Customize the Crust: Want a different twist? Swap the chocolate cookie crust with a graham cracker crust for a milder base.
• Adjust the Mintiness: If you’re not a big fan of strong peppermint, start with 1 teaspoon of extract and increase as needed.
• Make It Ahead: This pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before your event so it has time to set beautifully in the fridge.
• Opt for a Frozen Treat: For a frozen version, pop the pie into the freezer instead of the fridge. Serve it directly from the freezer on hot summer days!

Why You’ll Love This Pie

Peppermint Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in every bite—cool, sweet, and light as air. Its festive flavors make it ideal for Christmas, but honestly, it’s a winner for any occasion. Serve it with hot cocoa in the winter or iced coffee in the summer, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff, this no-bake delight is sure to become a favorite in your family. Give it a try—you won’t regret digging into this refreshing, creamy treat!