Easy Homemade Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

I love to find ways to adapt basic dessert recipes for each season. Using flavors associated with those seasons is an easy way to do that. You can use lemon for summer, cinnamon for fall, etc. Peppermint is often linked to Christmas, though I also love it in summer for its cooling effect. (Even if this is psychological, it works for me!) Recently, I baked my Quick and Easy Homemade Brownies for a holiday party and added this festive topping. Both recipes are simple to make! This easy homemade peppermint cream cheese frosting is my new Christmastime favorite and makes brownies, cookies, or cupcakes extra special.

How to make Easy Homemade Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Start with a full block (8 ounces) of cream cheese and a stick of butter. (Some people swear by unsalted butter for baking, but I use salted for everything. Which do you prefer?). To soften them, just leave them out at room temperature in a mixing bowl (together is fine). Depending on the temperature of your house, this may take awhile. My trick is to put the bowl of cream cheese and butter into my microwave, shut the door, and turn on the stove light below. This heats up the inside of the microwave just enough to soften everything nicely. You can also use the microwave (low setting) to soften these items.

When the butter and cream cheese are softened enough, add the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar til smooth.

Next, spread the frosting over the top of your baked item. I love this over brownies– it takes them to a whole new, holiday level of sweetness!!!

Crush the candy canes inside a gallon-sized zip closure bag. I like to use a rolling pin to do this. Or use a meat mallet like this. You CAN use a food processor, but the noise is terrible and it doesn’t go any faster.

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosting.

There you have it! A sweet treat that will be the hit of the next holiday party!

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Course: dessertCuisine: cakes, icings, cookies, brownies, cupcakesDifficulty: easy

This cool, creamy, minty frosting takes cookies, cupcakes, and even brownies to the next level!

Ingredients

• One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened

• 1 stick butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, or several drops food-grade peppermint essential oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 2 candy canes, crushed

Directions

• Beat together cream cheese, butter, and extracts.
• Gradually stir or beat in powdered sugar (use low setting on beaters).
• Using an offset spatula, spread frosting on surface.
• Crush candy canes by placing them in a gallon-sized zip closure bag and using a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush.
• Lightly sprinkle crushed candy canes over frosting.

Notes

• 1. It is important that your butter and cream cheese are softened. You can do this on a low setting in a microwave, but it works better to let them sit out for an hour or so at room temperature.
  2. If you don’t have an offset spatula, dip the rubber spatula in to the water before loading the frosting onto it.
  3. Add more peppermint extract for a more minty taste. Be careful not to add too much, however, or your frosting will taste like toothpaste!
  4. I like a light sprinkle of crushed candy canes, so I recommended two. Add more if you like.