Crushed peppermint is hard peppermint candy or candy canes broken into small pieces for cookies, bark, brownies, drinks, and dessert toppings. Use coarse pieces for visible crunch and fine crumbs for dough or drink rims. Keep the candy dry and add it late when you want the pieces to stay crisp.
Best Uses for Crushed Peppermint
| Use | Best size | When to add it |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint bark | Coarse pieces | Before the chocolate sets |
| Cookies and brownies | Fine to medium | In the dough or on cooled frosting |
| Hot chocolate | Fine crumbs | Immediately before serving |
| Ice cream and cupcakes | Coarse pieces | At serving time for crunch |
| Drink rims | Fine crumbs | After dipping the rim in syrup or chocolate |
How to Crush Peppermint Without a Mess
- Unwrap the candy and place it in a sturdy zip-top bag.
- Press excess air out, seal the bag, and cover it with a folded kitchen towel.
- Tap gently with a rolling pin or flat meat mallet. Start at the edges and work inward.
- Pour the candy through a coarse sieve if you need to separate decorative pieces from fine dust.
Controlled taps work better than hard blows, which can split the bag. If using a food processor, pulse briefly to avoid making mostly powder.
When to Add It to Desserts
Peppermint candy melts when exposed to prolonged heat and becomes sticky when it absorbs moisture. Fold fine pieces into cookie dough when you want flavor throughout. For distinct red-and-white pieces, reserve some candy and press it into warm cookies or sprinkle it over frosting, ganache, or chocolate bark.
Let baked goods cool before storing them with peppermint toppings. Trapped steam can dissolve the candy. If you are decorating brownies, first check how to tell when brownies are done, then cool them before adding frosting and candy. Store finished bars using these brownie storage guidelines. For cookies, follow the site’s guide to how long sugar cookies last.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store crushed peppermint airtight in a cool, dry cabinet away from the stove, dishwasher, and steam. Put parchment between layers if coarse candy sticks together. For the best texture, crush only what you expect to use soon.
Discard candy that becomes wet, develops an off odor, or shows contamination from other ingredients. Stickiness alone usually reflects moisture rather than spoilage, but sticky candy will not provide a clean, crisp topping.
Substitutes and Label Checks
- Chopped candy canes or starlight mints: the closest substitute.
- Peppermint baking chips: easier to fold into dough, but softer after baking.
- Peppermint extract: adds flavor but not crunch; use only the recipe’s tested amount.
- Chocolate mint candy: suitable only when extra chocolate fits the dessert.
Ingredients and shared-facility statements vary by brand. Read the current package if you need a product that is gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal, dye-free, nut-free, or dairy-free. The FDA food-allergen guidance explains the major-allergen labeling framework; the package remains the source for a specific candy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crushed peppermint the same as crushed candy canes?
Usually. Candy canes are peppermint-flavored hard candy in a seasonal shape, while crushed peppermint can also come from round peppermint candies. Check the flavor label because some candy canes use fruit or other flavors.
Can you bake crushed peppermint?
Yes, but it may melt into the dough. Use fine pieces inside baked goods and save coarse pieces for frosting, glaze, or melted chocolate when you want visible color and crunch.
Can crushed peppermint be prepared ahead?
Yes. Crush and separate it ahead, then store it airtight. Add decorative pieces near serving time, especially on moist frosting, whipped cream, or ice cream.