Peppermint Perfection: 5 Delicious Recipes Featuring Aldi Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes
Aldi’s Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes are a seasonal favorite, a delightful combination of smooth, dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint filling. These little treats are perfect on their own, but they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. If you find yourself with an abundance of these peppermint patties (or simply want to elevate your holiday baking), here are five delectable recipes to transform them into something truly special.
**Why Benton’s Peppermint Cremes?**
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate what makes these peppermint cremes so great. They offer:
* **Affordability:** Aldi’s prices are hard to beat, making them a budget-friendly option for holiday baking.
* **Quality:** Despite the low price point, the chocolate is rich and the peppermint filling is smooth and creamy.
* **Convenience:** They are readily available during the holiday season.
* **Flavor:** The balance of dark chocolate and peppermint is a classic and universally loved combination.
**Recipe 1: Peppermint Creme Brownies**
These brownies are fudgy, decadent, and bursting with peppermint flavor. The addition of Benton’s Peppermint Cremes takes them to the next level.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 cup Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, chopped
* Optional: Additional chopped peppermint cremes for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the pan:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Melt the butter:** In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also melt it in a saucepan over low heat.
3. **Combine sugars and butter:** Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
4. **Add eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
6. **Combine wet and dry ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Fold in peppermint cremes:** Gently fold in the chopped Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes.
8. **Pour into pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking.
10. **Cool and cut:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped peppermint cremes before cooling.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Creme Brownies:**
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use high-quality cocoa powder:** The quality of the cocoa powder will affect the flavor of the brownies.
* **Let them cool completely:** Cooling the brownies completely before cutting will prevent them from crumbling.
* **Adjust baking time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the brownies frequently after 25 minutes.
**Recipe 2: Peppermint Creme Bark**
This simple and festive bark is perfect for gifting or enjoying as a holiday treat. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (high-quality dark chocolate recommended)
* 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
* 1 package Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, crushed
* Optional: Sprinkles, crushed candy canes
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the dark chocolate:** Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
2. **Spread the dark chocolate:** Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. **Refrigerate:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or until the dark chocolate is set but not completely hardened.
4. **Melt the white chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
5. **Spread the white chocolate:** Spread the melted white chocolate evenly over the set dark chocolate.
6. **Sprinkle with toppings:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes (and any other desired toppings) over the white chocolate.
7. **Refrigerate:** Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bark is completely set.
8. **Break into pieces:** Once the bark is set, break it into pieces. You can use a knife to score the bark before it sets for cleaner breaks.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Creme Bark:**
* **Use high-quality chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will significantly impact the taste of the bark.
* **Don’t overheat the chocolate:** Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize.
* **Work quickly:** The white chocolate will set quickly, so work quickly when spreading it and adding the toppings.
* **Store in an airtight container:** Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from melting.
**Recipe 3: Peppermint Creme Hot Chocolate**
Warm up on a cold day with this decadent peppermint creme hot chocolate. It’s rich, creamy, and infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk recommended)
* 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
* 4 Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, chopped
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* Optional: Whipped cream, additional chopped peppermint cremes for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Heat the milk:** In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling.
2. **Add chocolate and peppermint cremes:** Add the chopped dark chocolate and Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes to the milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate and peppermint cremes are melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. **Stir in heavy cream:** Stir in the heavy cream to make the hot chocolate extra creamy.
4. **Serve:** Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and additional chopped peppermint cremes, if desired.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Creme Hot Chocolate:**
* **Use good quality chocolate:** The better the chocolate, the better the hot chocolate.
* **Don’t boil the milk:** Boiling the milk can cause it to scald.
* **Stir constantly:** Stirring constantly will prevent the chocolate from scorching.
* **Adjust sweetness to taste:** If you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, add a little sugar or honey.
* **For a vegan option:** use plant-based milk and vegan dark chocolate.
**Recipe 4: Peppermint Creme Cookies**
These soft and chewy cookies are studded with chunks of Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, creating a delightful pepperminty treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream butter and sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Beat in eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually add dry ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Fold in peppermint cremes:** Gently fold in the chopped Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes.
7. **Drop by spoonfuls:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Creme Cookies:**
* **Use softened butter:** Softened butter will cream together more easily with the sugars.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* **Use a cookie scoop:** Using a cookie scoop will ensure that the cookies are uniform in size.
**Recipe 5: Peppermint Creme Cheesecake Dip**
This creamy and decadent cheesecake dip is perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes, chopped
* Graham crackers, cookies, or fruit for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Beat cream cheese:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add powdered sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
3. **Add heavy cream and vanilla:** Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. **Fold in peppermint cremes:** Gently fold in the chopped Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes.
5. **Chill:** Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. **Serve:** Serve with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit for dipping.
**Tips for Perfect Peppermint Creme Cheesecake Dip:**
* **Use softened cream cheese:** Softened cream cheese will blend more easily.
* **Don’t overbeat:** Overbeating can make the dip too thin.
* **Adjust sweetness to taste:** Add more or less powdered sugar depending on your preference.
* **Get creative with dippers:** Try serving with pretzels, apple slices, or even mini marshmallows.
**Beyond the Recipes: Creative Variations**
These recipes are just a starting point! Feel free to experiment and create your own variations. Here are some ideas:
* **Peppermint Creme Ice Cream:** Add chopped Benton’s Peppermint Cremes to your favorite ice cream base before churning.
* **Peppermint Creme Milkshake:** Blend ice cream, milk, and chopped peppermint cremes for a refreshing milkshake.
* **Peppermint Creme Cupcakes:** Add chopped peppermint cremes to cupcake batter or use them as a topping for frosting.
* **Peppermint Creme Popcorn:** Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn and sprinkle with crushed peppermint cremes.
* **Peppermint Creme Coffee:** Add a peppermint creme to your hot coffee and stir until melted for a festive treat.
**Storage Tips:**
* **Brownies and Cookies:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Bark:** Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
* **Hot Chocolate:** Best enjoyed immediately.
* **Cheesecake Dip:** Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Conclusion:**
Aldi’s Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of holiday recipes. From brownies and bark to hot chocolate and cookies, these little treats can add a festive touch to your baking. So, grab a box (or two) of Benton’s Peppermint Cremes and get creative in the kitchen! Happy baking!