If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together festive flair and delightful creaminess without any fuss, this Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a luscious peppermint-flavored filling nestled in a chocolate cookie crust, perfectly chilled and topped with candy cane crunch—every bite is refreshing, smooth, and full of holiday cheer. This recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s equally loved by kids and adults at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe lies in the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the chocolate cookie crumbs providing a sturdy, flavorful base to the peppermint extract delivering the unmistakable holiday spirit. Let’s break down what you’ll need to assemble this festive treat.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, filling removed): These crumbs create a rich and crunchy crust that’s easy to press into your pie dish.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melting butter binds the cookie crumbs together and adds a velvety texture to the crust.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy, giving that satisfying texture with every scoop.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness, making the pie decadently smooth without needing to cook it.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract: Peppermint extract is the star flavor, lending a cool, refreshing burst that truly screams holiday season.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens and balances the tartness of the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed: Adds lightness and fluffy texture, making the pie feel melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
- 4–5 drops red food coloring (optional): Gives the filling a festive pink hue, enhancing the visual appeal without altering taste.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies: These become the crunchy, minty garnish that finishes the pie with a festive sparkle.
- Extra whipped topping: For decorating the top with peaks or swirls to make it look irresistible.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Add a subtle chocolate surprise sprinkled on top.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): For a luxurious touch that complements the peppermint and chocolate crust beautifully.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. This simple step transforms crumbs into a cohesive crust that presses firmly into your 9-inch pie dish. Once formed, pop the crust into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the luscious filling. This chilling step ensures the crust stays crisp and holds up nicely to the creamy insides.
Step 2: Make the Peppermint Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth — this is key to avoid any lumps. Then, add the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Mixing these ingredients creates a sweet, minty base that’s rich yet airy. If you want to add a festive pink tint, gently stir in 4 to 5 drops of red food coloring now. The filling should become silky without being runny.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into your peppermint cream mixture. This should be done with care to maintain the volume and lightness that whipped topping provides. The result is a beautifully smooth and fluffy mixture that will set perfectly when chilled.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy peppermint filling into the chocolate crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Getting a nice even layer will make the presentation just as stunning as the flavors.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This step is essential as it allows the pie to firm up, making it easy to slice and ensuring every forkful delivers that signature creamy, cool texture.
Step 6: Add Festive Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top. Feel free to dollop extra whipped topping and scatter mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for an elegant and festive finish. These little touches bring crunch and visual delight to every slice.
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings truly elevate this pie, making it feel holiday-special at first glance. I love the combination of crushed candy canes with a swirl of fresh whipped topping. If you want to add a little contrast, a few chocolate shavings add a rich, velvety touch that pairs beautifully with peppermint’s brightness.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced coffee to complement the cool peppermint notes. If you want to round out your dessert course, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad with citrus or berries to add some zesty freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive table, try serving individual mini versions of this Christmas Peppermint Pie in clear glasses or tumblers so the layers are visible. You can also garnish with a small peppermint stick or a dusting of cocoa powder shaped like snowflakes for a playful holiday twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its creaminess and prevent any odors from being absorbed.
Freezing
If you want to make this pie ahead of time or save some for later, it freezes well. Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled and should not be heated. Reheating would compromise the creamy texture and fresh peppermint flavor, so stick to serving it cold for that perfect cool and creamy bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust instead of chocolate cookie crumbs?
Absolutely! While chocolate cookie crumbs add a perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor, crushed graham crackers or ginger snap cookies can provide a nice twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the filling slightly if your crust is already sweetened.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can try using spearmint extract or even a small amount of crushed peppermint candies infused into the filling, but be cautious as these can alter the flavor intensity. Peppermint extract is best to capture that true Christmas vibe.
Can this pie be made vegan or dairy-free?
This version is traditional with dairy ingredients, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and coconut condensed milk alternatives combined with dairy-free whipped topping. The texture might differ slightly, but the festive flavors can still shine through!
How long does this pie need to chill?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is crucial to let the pie set properly, but overnight chilling results in the best texture and flavor melding. If you’re in a hurry, 4 hours should suffice, but patience always rewards in dessert making.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes for topping?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This gives you varied sizes so some pieces provide crunch while others melt slightly, adding texture and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe a spot on your holiday dessert table means treating yourself and your loved ones to something special, homemade, and utterly delicious. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly—so don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own festive tradition!
Print
Christmas Peppermint Pie: Creamy, Cool, and Festively Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Peppermint Pie is a creamy, cool, and festively easy no-bake dessert perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a chocolate cookie crust, peppermint-flavored cream cheese filling, and a light whipped topping, it combines refreshing mint with rich chocolate in a delightful pie that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, filling removed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 4–5 drops red food coloring (optional)
Toppings
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Extra whipped topping
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter in a bowl until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make filling base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well to incorporate. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform. If desired, add 4 to 5 drops of red food coloring to give the filling a festive pink hue and stir gently.
- Fold in whipped topping: Carefully fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, combining gently until just blended to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the peppermint cream cheese filling into the prepared chocolate cookie crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Chill the pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.
- Add toppings and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the pie. Optionally, add extra whipped topping, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate shavings to decorate and add texture.
Notes
- For best results, remove the cream filling from the cookies before crushing for the crust to avoid a too-sweet crust.
- The pie is a no-bake dessert, making it perfect for easy holiday entertaining.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, creamier texture.
- Allowing the pie to chill overnight maximizes flavor melding and firmness.
- Red food coloring is optional but adds a festive touch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
