Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I opened my pantry door, the unmistakable scent of peppermint wafted in, instantly transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings. The Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert is a delightful solution when the festive season hits, offering a simple, no-bake way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a luscious marshmallow filling perched atop a rich Oreo crust, it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to prepare, letting you savor more moments with loved ones. Plus, its delightful mint flavor adds a refreshing twist that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas. Curious to find out how to whip up this festive treat that requires zero baking? Let’s dive in! Why is This No-Bake Dessert Special? Simplicity: This Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert is incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. Decadent Flavor: The rich Oreo crust combined with the minty marshmallow filling creates an indulgent taste that captures the spirit of Christmas. Versatility: Whether serving at a holiday party or enjoying with hot cocoa, this dessert fits perfectly into any festive setting. Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare it a day in advance, saving you time and hassle on the big day. Crowd-Pleasing: Its appealing look and delightful flavor make it an instant hit among friends and family, just like a Mississippi Mud Dessert or a refreshing Lime Mousse Dessert. Unique Texture: Enjoy the fluffy filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy base for a truly delightful experience! Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Ingredients For the Crust • Oreo Cookies – Ideal base for a sweet, crunchy crust; gluten-free cookies can easily be swapped for a gluten-free version. • Melted Butter – Essential for binding Oreo crumbs; for a lighter option, consider using coconut oil. For the Filling • Mini Marshmallows – Adds sweetness and a delightful fluffy texture; if you only have regular marshmallows, just cut them down to size. • Milk – Necessary for melting the marshmallows into a smooth mixture; any type of milk will work, including dairy or plant-based. • Peppermint Extract – Gives that distinct mint flavor; feel free to adjust the amount or swap with vanilla extract if you prefer a different taste. • Cool Whip – Lightens up the filling for a more airy texture; you can use whipped heavy cream as a substitute. • Hershey Chocolate Bars – Introduces a sweet chocolate flavor; you can experiment with different chocolate brands if desired. For Topping • Christmas Sprinkles – Elevate the festive look of the dessert; alternatives like edible glitter or crushed candies work beautifully, too. This Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert truly captures the joy and essence of the holiday season! Enjoy crafting this delightful treat, and don’t forget to share it at your upcoming gatherings. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by crushing Oreo cookies using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag until they resemble fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter, stirring until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13″ glass pan. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow the crust to firm up, creating a solid base for your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert. Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Mixture In a microwave-safe bowl, add mini marshmallows, milk, and peppermint extract. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir every minute until the mixture is smooth and melted. Remove from the microwave and let it cool for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to avoid hardening, until it’s slightly thickened but still pourable. Step 3: Combine and Fold Once your marshmallow mixture has cooled, gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Ensure all the Cool Whip is incorporated without deflating its light, airy texture. This mixture will form the fluffy filling for your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert, providing that delightful combination of textures. Step 4: Add Chocolate Take your Hershey chocolate bars and chop them roughly into chunks. Fold these chocolate pieces gently into the marshmallow filling, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This step adds a rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the minty filling of your dessert. Step 5: Assemble Dessert Carefully pour the marshmallow and chocolate mixture over the chilled Oreo crust in your glass pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring the filling is evenly spread to the edges. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles generously over the top, adding a cheerful decoration to your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert. Step 6: Chill Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing it to set properly. Check after 2 hours to see if the filling is firm to the touch; it should hold its shape without being too hard. Once set, your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert is ready to be sliced and served at your holiday gatherings! Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Variations Feel free to tailor this delicious recipe to your liking; the possibilities are as delightful as the dessert itself! Gluten-Free: Swap Oreo cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookies to create a scrumptious crust that anyone can enjoy. Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping for a completely lactose-free treat without compromising flavor. Flavor Twist: Trade peppermint extract for almond or vanilla extract to give the dessert a warm, comforting twist that’s equally festive. Crunch Factor: Add crushed peppermint candies or Andes mints for an extra layer of texture and a delightful candy crunch. The addition not only elevates your dessert but also enhances the overall minty experience. Fruit-Packed: Fold in crushed raspberries or strawberries into the marshmallow mixture for a fruity flair that brightens every bite. These options add a fresh contrast to the mint flavor that is both surprising and refreshing! Extra Decadent: Swap in rich dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more luscious flavor profile that complements the mint beautifully. Dark chocolate adds depth and richness, making every piece irresistible. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of cinnamon to the marshmallow filling for a unique spicy twist that elevates traditional flavors. Choco-Lover’s Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate on top before adding sprinkles for an extra layer of chocolate decadence that’s perfect for true chocolate lovers. These variations will not only help customize your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert but also impress your guests, just as a classic Chocolate Cake Dessert would! Get creative and watch everyone savor every bite! How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Fridge: Store the Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh while retaining its delightful texture and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze the dessert, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: Although this dessert is best served chilled, if it’s been frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its perfect consistency. Make-Ahead Magic: Feel free to prepare this dessert a day in advance! This makes it a stress-free option for holiday parties, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Expert Tips for Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Stir Regularly: When melting the marshmallow mixture, stir every minute to avoid lumps or hardening while cooling. Watch Your Chill Time: Don’t leave the dessert in the refrigerator for too long, as over-chilling can lead to a texture that’s too firm. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile that enhances the Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert. Customize the Sprinkles: Get creative with holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a unique and festive look! Consider Allergies: If accommodating dietary restrictions, remember to swap regular Oreos for gluten-free options and use dairy-free milk for a vegan version. What to Serve with Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert The perfect festive meal deserves delightful companions to elevate every bite. Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich, chocolaty drink that complements the minty freshness, creating a cozy pairing ideal for holiday gatherings. Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices and sweetness of gingerbread contrast with the fluffy dessert, enhancing the merry spirit of the season. Pineapple Salad: This refreshing side brings a light, fruity element to the table, balancing the richness of the peppermint dessert beautifully. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage with aromatic spices that forms a comforting backdrop to each slice of the dessert, ideal for holiday celebrations. Chocolate Fondue: A fun and interactive option, allowing guests to dip strawberries or marshmallows, enhancing the sweet and minty flavors. Chocolate Peppermint Bark: As another sweet treat, this crunchy indulgence echoes the flavors of your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert gracefully. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream provides a cool contrast, making each bite a fantastic explosion of textures and flavors. Christmas Fruit Cake: A traditional festive dessert that adds a fruity contrast, creating a delightful balance to the creamy centerpiece of your meal. Nutty Cheese Platter: A mix of creamy cheeses and nuts can serve as a savory counterpoint to the dessert’s sweetness, making for a well-rounded spread. Sparkling Water or Champagne: Effervescent drinks refresh the palate, making them ideal to cleanse between bites of the rich, sweet dessert. Make Ahead Options These Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Desserts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday preparations! You can easily prepare the Oreo crust up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to keep it fresh and firm. The marshmallow filling can also be made the day before; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the chilled filling over the crust, add the chocolate pieces, and sprinkle with Christmas décor. This simple make-ahead approach not only saves you precious time but also ensures that your dessert is just as delicious and festive when it’s time to gather with loved ones! Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best Oreo cookies for the crust? Absolutely! When selecting Oreo cookies, look for packages that don’t show signs of damage and ensure they’re within their expiration date for the freshest taste. The classic Oreo works perfectly, but if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, there are excellent gluten-free cookies available, too! How should I store leftover Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert? Store your dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures the crispness of the Oreo crust remains intact while preserving the fluffy marshmallow layer. If using a large dish, you can cut it into squares and wrap them individually for easy access! Can I freeze this dessert for later? Certainly! To freeze your Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, and it will be as delightful as fresh! What if my marshmallow mixture becomes hard while cooling? No worries! If you find your marshmallow mixture hardening, simply reheat it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, stirring continuously until it returns to that lovely, smooth consistency. Make sure to keep an eye on it while cooling, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent hardening from happening. Is this dessert safe for people with nut allergies? Yes, the Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert can be made nut-free easily! Just ensure that the Oreo cookies and any chocolate you use are labeled as nut-free. Always double-check the labels on all products to avoid cross-contamination, and you’ll have a festive treat suitable for everyone! Can I modify the ingredients for dietary restrictions? Very much so! You can use dairy-free milk for a vegan version and switch out Cool Whip for a homemade whipped coconut cream. Just remember to substitute the Oreos for gluten-free cookies if needed and you’ll have a scrumptious dessert that caters to various dietary needs! Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert: A Festive Delight A delightful Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert that impresses guests without hours in the kitchen, featuring a rich Oreo crust and luscious filling. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust24 cookies Oreo Cookies Gluten-free cookies can be used as an alternative.1/2 cup Melted Butter Coconut oil can be used for a lighter option.For the Filling4 cups Mini Marshmallows Regular marshmallows can be cut down to size.1/2 cup Milk Any type of milk can be used, including dairy or plant-based.1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Adjust the amount to taste or substitute with vanilla extract.8 ounces Cool Whip Whipped heavy cream can be used as a substitute.2 bars Hershey Chocolate Bars Feel free to experiment with different chocolate brands.For Topping1/4 cup Christmas Sprinkles Edible glitter or crushed candies can also be used. Equipment Mixing Bowl9x13 inch glass panMicrowavespatulaRolling PinSealed plastic bag Method Preparation StepsCrush Oreo cookies using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag until finely crumbled. Combine with melted butter in a mixing bowl and press into the bottom of a 9x13 glass pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mini marshmallows, milk, and peppermint extract. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute until smooth. Let cool for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.Gently fold in Cool Whip into the cooled marshmallow mixture until fully incorporated without deflating the texture.Chop Hershey chocolate bars into chunks and fold into the marshmallow filling evenly.Pour the marshmallow-chocolate mixture over the Oreo crust and spread evenly. Top with Christmas sprinkles.Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours until set. Check for firmness after 2 hours. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThis dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it an ideal stress-free option for holiday gatherings. Store in an airtight container and it stays fresh for 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
