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Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Cups Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert
Serve festive chocolate peppermint mousse cups in edible chocolate shells for a quick make-ahead holiday dessert everyone will love.
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Cups are individual chilled desserts featuring a silky chocolate mousse infused with cool peppermint flavor, traditionally portioned into small serving cups or chocolate shells for easy, elegant presentation. The base preparation typically combines melted dark chocolate, heavy cream, and egg whites or whipped cream to achieve an airy yet rich texture, while peppermint extract or crushed candy canes provide a refreshing contrast and seasonal flair. Garnishes such as whipped cream swirls, chocolate shavings, or additional peppermint pieces add both visual appeal and complementary taste. Owing to their festive flavor profile and make-ahead convenience, these mousse cups are especially popular during winter holidays, though their straightforward assembly makes them suitable for dinner parties and special occasions year-round.
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Cups Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert
No bake and mostly hands-off, these mousse cups need just 20–30 minutes of prep before the fridge takes over, freeing up oven space for the rest of your menu. The formula scales effortlessly—from a cozy weeknight treat to a tray of mini desserts for a crowd—and can be tweaked with dairy-free cream or sugar-free chocolate to suit different diets.
Prep Time
30 minutes
30 minutes
Cook Time
3 minutes
3 minutes
Total Time
78 minutes
78 minutes
Ingredients
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1½ cups (about 9 oz)
- Unsalted butter 1 tbsp
- Heavy whipping cream 2 cups, well-chilled
- Powdered (confectioners’) sugar 3 tbsp
- Pure peppermint extract ¼ tsp
- Prepared mini chocolate dessert cups 12 shells (or 8 oz melted chocolate if making your own cups)
- Crushed candy canes 3 tbsp, plus extra for garnish
- Whipped cream or whipped topping 1 cup (optional, for swirling on top)
- Chocolate shavings or curls 2 tbsp (optional garnish)
Method
Line a mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners
- Put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until smooth
- Spoon melted chocolate into one liner so it covers the base and sides
- Rotate and tilt the liner until chocolate coats the entire inside surface
- Repeat coating process with the remaining liners
- Chill the pan in the refrigerator until the chocolate shells are firm
- Pour cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl
- Beat the cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form
- Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract to the partially whipped cream
- Beat the mixture until stiff peaks hold their shape
- Set aside a small portion of whipped cream for topping
- Gently fold cocoa powder into the remaining whipped cream to make mousse
- Transfer the mousse to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip
- Carefully peel the paper liners away from the chilled chocolate shells
- Pipe mousse into each chocolate cup, filling almost to the rim
- Pipe a small swirl of the reserved whipped cream on top of each cup
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped cream
- Refrigerate the filled cups for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Serve the chocolate peppermint mousse cups chilled
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
4591 kcal Protein
29 g Fat
340 g Carbs
395 g Fiber
35 g Sugar
341 g
4591 kcal Protein
29 g Fat
340 g Carbs
395 g Fiber
35 g Sugar
341 g
Notes
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for 10–15 minutes before whipping—cold tools trap more air, so the mousse stays billowy longer. For deeper flavor, whisk a pinch of instant espresso or flaky sea salt into the melted chocolate; both sharpen the cocoa without muting the peppermint. Pipe the mousse over a thin layer of crushed chocolate wafers or candy-cane brittle just before serving for a surprise crunch.
why this recipe
Indulgent yet refreshingly balanced, these chocolate peppermint mousse cups are the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary gathering into a memorable celebration. Silky cocoa richness melds with a cool whisper of peppermint, creating layers of flavor that feel both sophisticated and nostalgic. The airy texture means they satisfy without feeling heavy, and their elegant presentation—individual cups crowned with a swirl of whipped cream—makes each serving feel like a personalized treat. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday spread or simply craving a sweet moment of luxury, this recipe delivers a delightful contrast of decadence and lightness that’s surprisingly quick to assemble and guaranteed to impress.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Cups ahead of time, and how long will they stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Yes—assemble the mousse cups up to 2 days in advance, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and keep them refrigerated. They’ll stay safe and taste fresh for about 48–72 hours, though the candy-cane crunch and whipped-cream swirl are crispest if added the day you serve.
How can I adapt these mousse cups for dairy-free or vegan guests?
Swap the heavy cream for well-chilled full-fat coconut cream (whipped to soft peaks) and use dairy-free, preferably vegan-certified, semi-sweet chocolate plus a plant-based butter or 1 tbsp neutral coconut oil. Finish with vegan whipped topping and be sure your candy canes are gelatine-free; the texture and peppermint snap stay virtually the same.
Can I freeze the mousse cups for longer storage?
Yes—pipe the mousse into the chocolate shells, skip the whipped-cream swirl and candy-cane crumble, then freeze the cups on a tray until solid and seal them in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add fresh whipped cream and crushed candy canes just before serving; the chocolate stays glossy and the mousse airy, though the peppermint aroma may soften slightly over time.