Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup of crushed chocolate cookies
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
4. Add the peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture and stir well.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
6. Using a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Chill the chocolate mint balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Refrigerator temperature
Serving size:
Makes approximately 20 chocolate mint balls
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Milk chocolate chips can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Crushed graham crackers can be used instead of crushed chocolate cookies.
- Almond extract can be used instead of peppermint extract.
Variations:
- Roll the chocolate mint balls in crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Add a tablespoon of Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate mixture for a boozy twist.
- Use white chocolate chips and green food coloring for a St. Patrick's Day version.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized chocolate mint balls.
- Chill the mixture before forming into balls to make it easier to handle.
- Store the chocolate mint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the chocolate mint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
No reheating necessary.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the chocolate mint balls on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Crushed candy canes, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder.
Pairings:
Hot cocoa or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fruit salad or cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the mixture is too wet, add more crushed cookies. If the mixture is too dry, add more heavy cream.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the recipe. Store the chocolate mint balls in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Chocolate mint balls are a popular holiday treat that originated in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
Rich, chocolatey, and minty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chocolate mint balls as a dessert or snack.
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Minty, Chocolatey