The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 Before we dive into these classic peppermint chocolate cake pops, let me share a little moment from my kitchen one that smells like winter, childhood, and chocolate all at once. Every December, I find myself humming old holiday tunes as I melt chocolate over the stove and crush peppermint candies with slightly too much enthusiasm. There’s just something magical about watching those bright red peppermint shards swirl into silky chocolate… it always brings me right back to my younger days.
And speaking of younger days Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
These classic peppermint chocolate cake pops do exactly that. They make people smile. They’re the kind of little treats that light up a dessert table, make neighbors say “Oh my goodness, did you make these?!”, and bring a touch of festive joy to even the gloomiest winter day. They’re fun, they’re nostalgic, and they’re surprisingly easy once you know the rhythm.
I love this recipe because it’s messy, playful, and delightfully forgiving. That’s the best kind of recipe, isn’t it? You crumble the cake with your hands, roll the pops like snowballs, dip them in chocolate, and finish with a snow-like sprinkle of peppermint. Whether you’re brand-new to homemade cake pops or a seasoned holiday baker, these little wonders will make your kitchen feel warm, cozy, and full of cheer.
Today, we’ll walk through everything step-by-step so you can enjoy creating your own tray of joyful, chocolatey, peppermint-kissed treats. So tie your apron, turn up your favorite playlist, and let’s make magic together. ❄️🍫✨
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Assembly & coating: 30 minutes
- Total: ~2 hours
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake Pops
- 1 baked chocolate cake (boxed mix or homemade)
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For Coating
- 2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate melting wafers
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional for thinning)
For Decorating
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
- 24–30 cake pop sticks
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Crumble the Cake
Place your cooled chocolate cake into a large bowl and crumble it finely with your hands. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your cake pops will be.
2. Add the Frosting
Add your chocolate frosting and peppermint extract. Mix until the texture resembles soft, moldable dough. It should feel like clay moist enough to hold together but not sticky.
3. Roll into Balls
Scoop the dough (a tablespoon or cookie scoop works great) and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Insert the Sticks
Melt 2 tablespoons of your chocolate wafers. Dip the tip of each stick into the melted chocolate, then press it halfway into each cake ball.
This “glue” keeps everything secure.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes. Cold cake pops dip better and stay on the stick.
6. Melt the Chocolate Coating
Use a microwave or double boiler to melt your chocolate wafers. Stir until silky. Add coconut oil if needed to thin.
7. Dip the Cake Pops
Holding each stick, gently dip the cake pop into the chocolate. Let excess drip off while rotating to keep it smooth.
8. Decorate with Peppermint
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint over the top. You can also decorate with festive sprinkles if you want extra sparkle.
9. Let Set
Stick the pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cake pop stand. Let them harden completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These classic peppermint chocolate cake pops are perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings (they vanish fast!)
- Edible gifts wrapped in clear treat bags
- Christmas morning treat trays
- School events and cookie exchanges
- A cozy movie night with hot cocoa
If you want extra flair, drizzle white chocolate over the top or dip only halfway to give that elegant two-tone effect.
Recipe Card (print-friendly + with emojis)
🍡 Classic Peppermint Chocolate Cake Pops
⏱️ Time
• Prep: 30 min
• Chill: 1 hr
• Total: 2 hrs
🛒 Ingredients
• 1 baked chocolate cake
• 1 cup chocolate frosting
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 cups chocolate melting wafers
• ½ cup crushed peppermint
• Cake pop sticks
👩🍳 Instructions
- Crumble cake into a bowl.
- Mix with frosting + peppermint extract.
- Roll into balls; insert sticks.
- Chill until firm.
- Melt chocolate wafers.
- Dip pops and decorate with peppermint.
- Let set and enjoy!
📝 Notes
• Too dry? Add more frosting.
• Too sticky? Chill longer.
• Coconut oil thins chocolate perfectly.
🍽️ Nutrition (per pop, est.)
• Calories: 145
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 1g
Notes
- If your chocolate cracks, your pops were too cold let them sit a few minutes before dipping.
- For ultra-smooth coating, tap your wrist lightly while holding the stick instead of shaking the pop.
- Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition
These classic peppermint chocolate cake pops are small, sweet bites—perfect for the holidays. Each pop is roughly:
- 145 calories
- 7g fat
- 18g carbohydrates
- 14g sugars
- 1g protein
They’re indulgent but portion-sized, making them the ideal festive treat when you want something sweet without going overboard.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friends the most delightful, festive, joy-sparking classic peppermint chocolate cake pops you’ll ever make. They’re simple, fun, and full of holiday charm… just like the best memories from childhood. And now, hopefully, they’ll become part of your holiday memories too.
Thank you for stepping into my cozy French-American kitchen once again. I hope these little peppermint-swirled treats bring your home as much warmth and sweetness as they bring mine. ❤️🍬🍫
