There’s something downright magical about the crisp snap of graham crackers coated in rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch. That’s exactly what makes this Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe a festive treat that brings joy with every bite—perfect for sharing or sneaking on your own!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love making these Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers every holiday season. They’re simple yet so satisfying, combining creamy chocolate and cooling peppermint in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, you really don’t need any fancy equipment—just a microwave, some chocolate, and your favorite grahams. It’s an easy recipe that always impresses!
- Simplicity: Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s a fantastic no-bake treat anyone can pull off.
- Festive Flavor: The peppermint candy adds that perfect holiday touch without overpowering the chocolate.
- Customizable: Swap in dark chocolate, or even chocolate graham crackers for different takes.
- Kid-Friendly: Crushing candy canes with a rolling pin is a fun step for little helpers in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe plays a specific role to build that perfect snap, creaminess, and peppermint kiss. I always choose quality chocolate because it melts smoothly and tastes incredible, while the candy canes lend a wonderful crunch with just the right hint of mint.
- Milk Chocolate: Melts gorgeously giving a smooth, creamy coating that isn’t overly sweet.
- White Chocolate: Adds a contrasting lighter layer and is perfect for holding crushed peppermint candy.
- Peppermint Candy Canes: Provides that iconic holiday crunch and a bright mint flavor.
- Graham Crackers: The sturdy base with just the right crunch, acting as a perfect canvas for the chocolate.
Make It Your Way
I usually stick to the original recipe, but I love experimenting by switching out types of chocolate or crackers depending on the season or what I have on hand. The recipe is forgiving enough for you to get creative, making it a fun one to personalize.
- Variation: One holiday, I swapped milk chocolate for dark chocolate and loved the richer, slightly bitter contrast with the sweet peppermint.
- Dietary swap: If you’re dairy-free, vegan chocolate chips work great here—just melt carefully to avoid seizing.
- Seasonal twist: Try crushed dried orange peel with dark chocolate for a different festive vibe.
- Alternative base: Using salty Ritz crackers instead of grahams adds a lovely sweet-salty surprise.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Milk Chocolate Smoothly
Start by placing the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds, stir, and then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky—usually about 90 seconds total. Stirring is key to avoiding burning spots and ensuring a smooth dip.
Step 2: Dip Graham Crackers and Let Set
Dip one end of each graham cracker square into the melted milk chocolate and place them on parchment paper. Lay them flat so the coating sets evenly. If you're short on time, pop the tray in the fridge for about 15 minutes—this speeds up the setting beautifully without dulling the shine.
Step 3: Melt White Chocolate and Add Peppermint Crunch
Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate. Then, dip the opposite end of each graham cracker into the white chocolate and immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes on top. The candy sticks best when the white chocolate is still wet, so have your crushed candy ready beforehand.
Step 4: Let Everything Set Completely
Allow your crispy treats to set fully—either at room temperature or in the fridge if you’re eager to enjoy them sooner. Once solid, they’re ready to be devoured or packaged as lovely homemade gifts.
Top Tip
Making chocolate-covered treats can be a bit tricky if you haven’t done it before. I’ve learned some handy shortcuts and tips that made a big difference in my Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe adventures, and I want you to get those perfect results without fuss.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: It melts smoothly and tastes amazing; I usually go for Ghirardelli candy melts since they don’t require tempering.
- Crush Candy Canes with Care: Pop them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin—kids love helping here, and it keeps your countertops clean!
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Stir the chocolate often while melting to avoid burning and get a silky texture.
- Set in Chill if Rushed: Placing dipped grahams in the fridge lets the chocolate set up faster and keeps it glossy.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a bit extra crushed peppermint on top just before the white chocolate sets, for an extra festive sparkle. A light dusting of edible glitter or cocoa powder can also make these treats pop when serving at parties.
Side Dishes
These crackers pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine during the holidays. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert presentation.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the chocolate peppermint grahams in a festive jar layered with crushed candy canes and ribbons for gifting. For gatherings, I place them standing up in a decorative cone or placed around a plate of s’mores ingredients for a fun interactive dessert station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the chocolate is completely set, I transfer the graham crackers into an airtight container. They keep beautifully at room temperature for several days without losing their crispness, though I sometimes stash them in the fridge if I prefer a chilled snack.
Freezing
Freezing these isn’t my go-to, but if you want to make them way in advance, wrap each cracker individually in parchment before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to protect the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since these are best served crisp and cold or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just let frozen or refrigerated crackers sit out a few minutes to come to a perfect snacking temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully and brings a richer, slightly less sweet contrast to the peppermint and grahams. Just melt it the same way you would milk chocolate.
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them. This keeps the pieces contained and avoids any sticky mess.
Definitely! These crackers stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container. You can make them a day or two ahead, or freeze them wrapped individually and thaw before gifting for the best quality.
If your chocolate seizes (becomes grainy or clumpy), it usually means it got too hot or mixed with water. Try gently reheating in short bursts and stirring. If not recoverable, start fresh with new chocolate, ensuring no moisture comes into contact with it.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers hold a sweet spot in my recipe collection because they’re easy, gorgeous, and so deliciously nostalgic. I hope you’ll give them a try and find the same simple joy I do each time I break into that peppermint-kissed chocolate snap. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for cozy gatherings and thoughtful gifts alike.
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Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Grahams are a festive and delicious holiday treat featuring crunchy graham crackers dipped in creamy milk and white chocolate, topped with crushed peppermint candy canes for a refreshing twist. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack during the holidays.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coating
- 11 ounce package milk chocolate, melted
- 11 ounce package white chocolate, melted
Candy and Base
- 4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
- 24 graham cracker squares or 12 full size crackers
Instructions
- Melt Milk Chocolate: Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl by heating for 30 seconds. Stir well and heat again in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted, approximately 90 seconds total.
- Dip Graham Crackers in Milk Chocolate: Dip one end of each graham cracker into the melted milk chocolate, then lay them on a parchment-lined surface to set. Repeat this process with all the crackers and allow the chocolate to firm up.
- Melt White Chocolate: Using the same technique as for the milk chocolate, melt the white chocolate in the microwave until smooth.
- Dip in White Chocolate and Add Peppermint: Dip the opposite end of each graham cracker into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the white chocolate before it sets. Lay the crackers back onto the parchment paper and allow them to fully set.
Notes
- Use Ghirardelli candy melts for ease—no tempering required and excellent flavor.
- To speed up chocolate setting, place dipped graham crackers in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Store the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate if you prefer a colder texture.
- Crush candy canes by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin—a fun activity for kids.
- Substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate if preferred.
- Try chocolate graham crackers for a tasty variation, or use saltine or Ritz crackers to add a salty contrast.
- For more tips and tricks, refer to the original blog post.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 graham cracker
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
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