If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines crunch, sweet, and a refreshing burst of minty goodness, the Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dazzling dessert perfectly marries the rich flavors of buttery caramelized sugar with the cool zing of peppermint, studded with crunchy cookie bits and festive candies. It’s irresistibly addictive, easy to make, and just screams celebration with every bite. Whether you’re gifting it or savoring it with loved ones, this recipe brings a joyful chaos of textures and flavors that will brighten any holiday or winter gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in the final texture and taste. From buttery richness to peppermint freshness and that satisfying crunch, here’s what you’ll need.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sweet base that caramelizes beautifully to form the brittle’s golden, crisp foundation.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth brittle texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors by cutting through the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, inviting depth to the brittle’s flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the refreshing, cool peppermint kick that makes this brittle unforgettable.
- 1½ cups crushed peppermint cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies: Introduce delightful crunch and chocolaty layers within the brittle.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkles in bursts of peppermint flavor and a festive touch.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts atop the brittle for creamy sweetness and eye-catching contrast.
- Optional red and green sprinkles: For a pop of holiday color and extra fun in presentation.
How to Make Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures your brittle won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Set this aside while you work on your stovetop mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously as the butter melts and the mixture slowly comes to a boil. Keep cooking for 5 to 6 minutes, patiently watching for the sugar to reach a deep golden hue – this means you’re hitting the perfect hard crack stage, around 300°F. Using a candy thermometer here will help nail the timing perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Extracts and Cookies
Once your sugar mixture hits the hard crack stage, remove it from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse those beautiful aromas. Then, while everything is still wonderfully molten, fold in the crushed peppermint cookies carefully so they don’t completely dissolve but still meld into the caramelized sweetness.
Step 4: Spread and Top the Brittle
Pour the sticky mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. While the brittle is still hot, sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the surface. Let them sit for a minute to melt slightly, then gently swirl them across to create that silky white chocolate layer.
Step 5: Add Candy and Cool
Before the brittle sets, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and festive red and green sprinkles if you like a pop of color. This final touch adds both flavor and holiday cheer. Leave your brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour until it is fully hardened and ready to break into pieces.
How to Serve Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle even more irresistible, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra crushed peppermint candies. This not only enhances its visual appeal but adds an extra hint of sweetness and crunch right on the surface.
Side Dishes
This peppermint brittle pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, a frothy peppermint latte, or even a simple glass of cold milk. The contrast of warm and cold drinks highlights the brittle’s textures and flavors beautifully, making your dessert experience even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Break the brittle into various sizes and arrange it in festive jars or decorative tins to gift to friends and family. You can also layer pieces in a clear glass trifle bowl, interspersing with whipped cream and fresh berries, turning this Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe into a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its crunch intact. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it great to prepare ahead for parties or gifting.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the brittle by placing pieces in a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—this helps maintain its perfect texture and flavor without any loss of crunch.
Reheating
This brittle is best served at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. However, if your white chocolate layer feels set too hard, you can let the brittle sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other cookies besides peppermint or chocolate sandwich cookies?
Absolutely! While peppermint and chocolate sandwich cookies lend the perfect flavor and crunch, you can experiment with other cookies like ginger snaps or shortbread for different textures and taste twists.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is ideal for reaching the hard crack stage accurately, but you can also test by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water – if it hardens quickly and snaps, you’re good to go.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with something else?
Yes, you might use dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. Just remember these may melt differently and alter the overall appearance slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients in the Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great sweet treat for almost any diet plan.
How long does it take for the brittle to set completely?
Typically, you should allow about 1 hour at room temperature for the brittle to harden fully. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause condensation and affect the texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this delightful Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe that brings holiday excitement right into your kitchen. It’s easy, festive, and wonderfully crunchy, with layers of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try, share it generously, and watch it become a beloved tradition in your sweet recipe collection.
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Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour cooling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle is a festive holiday treat combining a rich, buttery brittle base with the refreshing flavors of peppermint cookie pieces and crushed candies. Topped with melted white chocolate and optional sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for celebrations and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1½ cups crushed peppermint cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Optional: red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to facilitate easy removal of the brittle once set.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reach Hard Crack Stage: Continue cooking the mixture, without stirring aggressively, for 5 to 6 minutes until it turns a deep golden color and reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, indicating the hard crack stage.
- Flavor and Add Cookies: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Then, working fast, fold in the crushed peppermint or chocolate sandwich cookies evenly.
- Spread Mixture: Pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly using a spatula to form a thin layer.
- Add White Chocolate and Toppings: Immediately sprinkle white chocolate chips on top; allow them to melt slightly, then gently spread the melted chocolate over the brittle surface. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and optional red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cool and Set: Let the brittle cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until completely hardened.
- Serve: Once set, break the brittle into pieces and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- For a twist, drizzle with dark chocolate or add mini marshmallows before the brittle sets for extra flavor and texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.
