Candy Cane Peppermint Dip
Candy Cane Peppermint Dip is a holiday treat that tastes like Christmas in every bite! It blends cool peppermint, cream cheese and fluffy whipped topping into the ultimate snack for dessert trays, cookie platters, and holiday charcuterie boards.
Get the Scoop!
- Great Flavor: Tastes like creamy peppermint cheesecake in a bowl.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in 15 minutes and always impresses party guests.
- Holiday Hit: Packed with festive candy cane crunch that everyone loves.
Every holiday season I find myself scanning the grocery store aisles for anything peppermint. If it sparkles, smells minty, or looks like it belongs at the North Pole, I’m obsessed!
I love blending ingredients that add an unexpected surprise, and when you bite into a crush of mint mixed with cream cheese, you get an explosion of flavor that’s hard to beat.
This easy recipe was born during an afternoon craving when I wanted a quick dessert without turning on the oven. One bowl and a few crushed candy canes later, this cream cheese peppermint dip is now a party staple at our house!
For more sweet dips to round out your holiday dessert table, try Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip, or chocolatey Brownie Batter Dip that’s a great side kick to this minty delight.
What You’ll Need
- Cream Cheese: Use fully softened cream cheese (full fat) for the best creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweetness that blends well with the cream cheese.
- Peppermint Extract: Adds that holiday mint flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Balances the peppermint and gives it a warm bakery-style sweetness.
- Whipped Topping: Makes everything fluffy and light so be sure to fold gently.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Provides crunch and the perfect festive sparkle. Save a few whole candy canes for garnish.
- Mini White Chocolate Chips: Adds extra richness. Can substitute peppermint bark if you want a chocolate twist.
Step by Step Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Mix in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract on low speed until the flavors are fully blended.
- Fold in the whipped topping with a silicone spatula until the dip becomes fluffy.
- Stir in most of the crushed candy canes and the white chocolate chips (or use crushed peppermint bark).
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it and chill for at least one hour so the flavors can mingle.
- Garnish with the remaining crushed candy canes and whole candy canes before serving.
Favorite Dippers
- Graham Crackers
- Shortbread Cookies
- Vanilla Wafers
- Pretzel Twists
- Holiday Oreo cookies
- Fresh Strawberries
Variations
- Use crushed peppermint hard candies if you can’t find candy canes.
- Sub peppermint bark for mini white chocolate chips if you like a hint of chocolate.
- Add a spoonful of cocoa powder to turn this into a chocolate peppermint treat.
- Increase the whipped topping to create a lighter and fluffier mousse.
Dip Tips
- Soften the cream cheese completely for the smoothest texture.
- Crush the candy canes right before using so they stay crunchy.
- Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the mixture fluffy.
- Chill the dip before serving to enhance both flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQ
Increase the whipped topping up to three cups to create a lighter and fluffier dip while keeping the other ingredients the same.
Prepare it a day ahead and garnish it right before serving. Be sure to add the whipped topping right before you serve it or it will be too flat.
You can, but it needs to be stabilized or it won’t be as fluffy. I use Cool Whip in this recipe and it turns out perfectly. Whipped cream doesn’t always hold up like it should.
Storage Guide
Store any leftover Candy Cane Peppermint Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Give it a gentle stir before serving and add fresh crushed candy canes on top for the best texture.
Freezing is not recommended unless you do it before adding the whipped topping.
Candy Cane Peppermint Dip
*See notes in post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- electric mixer
- mixing bowls
- spatula
- serving bowl and spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, full fat - softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 cups whipped topping - thawed
- ¼ cup candy canes, crushed - divided
- ¼ cup mini white chocolate chips - or sub crushed peppermint bark
- whole mini candy canes - for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Mix in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract on low speed until the flavors are fully blended.
- Fold in the whipped topping with a silicone spatula until the dip becomes fluffy.
- Stir in most of the crushed candy canes and the white chocolate chips (or use crushed peppermint bark).
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it and chill for at least one hour so the flavors can mingle.
- Garnish with the remaining crushed candy canes and whole candy canes before serving.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese completely for the smoothest texture.
- Crush the candy canes right before using so they stay crunchy.
- Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the dip fluffy.
- Chill the dip before serving to enhance both flavor and texture.
- Store any leftover Candy Cane Peppermint Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Nutrition
*Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
We made this for our Christmas party and it was a big hit! I didn’t have any left to bring home.