Perk Up With Peppermint Desserts

Crushed candy canes and rich Chocolate Glaze hide a sweet surprise inside this can't-miss cake. With some simple packaging, it makes for a great gift too.

Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Tarts

This cake is almost too pretty to eat. But after one bite, your guests will be back for more. Sprinkle the crushed candies over the cake just before serving, since the moisture from the whipped cream can make the mints begin to "melt" together after about half an hour. Don't worry, though—we suspect the cake will be long gone by then.

Recipe: Candy Cane Cake

Bonbon means "very good" in French, and that's certainly what these peppermint-flavored cookies are! Between the gooey chocolate center and crunchy peppermint topping, it will be hard to decide what you like most about these Christmas treats. They also make great homemade gifts for chocoholics.

Recipe: Peppermint Bonbon Cookies

Top chocolate velvet cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting, then sprinkle with a white-chocolate-and-peppermint bark crumble. The pint-sized treats are ideal after a hearty holiday dinner.

Recipe: Chocolate-Peppermint Candy Cupcakes

Snuggle under a blanket with a minty bowl of homemade peppermint ice cream. Make a basic vanilla recipe, then stir in the crushed candies and freeze to give the treat a red-tinted hue.

Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream

Make a classic cookie sandwich with thin chocolate wafers and creamy ice cream, then add a little spice by rolling the finished cookies in crushed peppermint. Wrap the individual cookies tightly and freeze to set.

Recipe: Peppermint Patties

Make simple gifts for coworkers, teachers, or friends by packing pretty cocoa jars with colorful ingredients. The chocolate chips and crushed peppermints will make the gift extra sweet.

Recipe: Peppermint Stick Cocoa

A simple peppermint icing, made with crushed hard candies and a few drops of red food coloring, adds bright flavor to these savory homemade molasses cookies. Sprinkle extra peppermint dust over the icing as it sets for great presentation.

Recipe: Peppermint Molasses Cookies

Serve a classic, top-rated holiday treat. You can make bark with almost anything, including nuts, mini marshmallows, and dried fruit, but we prefer this rich chocolate-peppermint duo. The easy prep makes it a fun family project.

Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candies, and crumbled chocolate cookie sandwiches pack a punch of flavor in this cheesecake. Make it ahead to ensure it has time to set.

Recipe: Crushed-Peppermint Cheesecake