Oh, you are going to LOVE these Mint Chocolate Medallions! Seriously, if you’re like me and sometimes just need a little something sweet, but you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, these are your absolute go-to. They’re so ridiculously easy, and that combo of cool mint and rich chocolate? Pure magic! I remember making these for the first time when I was craving something after dinner, and bam! Done in like, ten minutes. They’re just so reliably good, you can’t mess them up.
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Medallions
Honestly, these Mint Chocolate Medallions are a lifesaver for so many reasons!
- They’re incredibly quick – ready in about 10 minutes, start to finish!
- No oven needed, which is perfect for those hot days or when you just don’t feel like baking.
- That classic mint and chocolate flavor combo is just irresistible.
- You can totally customize them – add color or toppings to make them festive.
- They’re perfect for little gifts, party favors, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Gather Your Mint Chocolate Medallions Ingredients
Okay, so the best part about these Mint Chocolate Medallions is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Now, you can totally use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if that’s more your jam, but I find semi-sweet gives a really nice balance. Make sure they’re good quality for the best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract. This is where the magic happens! Start with a quarter teaspoon, but trust me, you can always add a tiny bit more if you like a stronger minty kick. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
- Optional: Green food coloring, just a few drops. If you want them to look extra festive, especially around holidays, a drop or two of green food coloring is super fun.
- Optional: Crushed candy canes. These are great for sprinkling on top before the chocolate sets for a bit of crunch and extra pepperminty punch!
Crafting Your Mint Chocolate Medallions: Step-by-Step
Alright, getting these Mint Chocolate Medallions made is super straightforward. It really is just a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ve got these cute little chocolate treats ready to go!
- First things first, you need to melt your chocolate chips. I like to do this in the microwave because it’s fast, but you have to be careful not to scorch it. Pop your chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for about 30 seconds, then pull them out and give them a good stir. You’ll see some melting, but probably not all of it. Put them back in for another 30 seconds, stir again. Keep doing this, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and pourable. It usually takes me about 2 or 3 rounds.
- Once your chocolate is all melty and gorgeous, it’s time for the mint! Add that 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract right into the bowl with the melted chocolate. Give it a good, thorough stir to make sure it’s mixed in evenly. You want that minty flavor distributed throughout, not just in one spot! If you’re adding food coloring or want to sprinkle on candy canes, now’s the time to get those ready.
- Now for the fun part – shaping! Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is super important so they don’t stick. Then, just take a small spoon (like a teaspoon or even a little bit smaller) and drop little spoonfuls of the mint chocolate mixture onto the parchment paper. Try to make them roughly the same size so they look nice and uniform. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect circles; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal!
- Finally, it’s time to let them set. You can just leave them on the counter at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm, and they’ll firm up on their own. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Or, if you’re impatient like me and want them done *now*, pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes. They’ll harden up much faster in there. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hard.
Melting the Chocolate for Mint Chocolate Medallions
Melting chocolate can be a little tricky, but the microwave method is my secret weapon for these Mint Chocolate Medallions. The key is patience! Always melt in short bursts – 30 seconds is perfect. And don’t forget to stir after each interval. This helps the heat distribute evenly and prevents those dreaded burnt bits from forming. You want smooth, glossy, liquid chocolate, not a seized-up mess!
Infusing Flavor into Your Mint Chocolate Medallions
Adding the peppermint extract is where these little guys get their signature flavor. Gently stir it into your smoothly melted chocolate. Make sure it’s fully incorporated so every bite has that wonderful cool minty taste. Feel free to add a tiny bit more if you’re a big mint fan, but remember, it’s easier to add more than to take it away if you overdo it!
Shaping and Setting Your Mint Chocolate Medallions
Once your minty chocolate mixture is ready, it’s time to make the medallions! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this is non-negotiable for easy removal. Then, using a small spoon, drop little dollops of the chocolate onto the parchment. Aim for about teaspoon-sized portions for nice, bite-sized treats. You can make them perfectly round or a bit more freeform, whatever you like! Then, just let them sit at room temperature until firm, or pop them in the fridge for about 5-10 minutes if you want them to set faster. They’ll firm up beautifully either way.
Tips for Perfect Mint Chocolate Medallions
Making these Mint Chocolate Medallions is already a breeze, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure they turn out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, quality really does matter when it comes to chocolate. Using good chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate bars will give you a much smoother melt and a richer flavor, trust me! Also, when you’re melting it, be patient! Those 30-second intervals in the microwave are your best friend. If you try to rush it, you’ll end up with seized chocolate, and that’s just no fun at all. Make sure your parchment paper covers the whole baking sheet well; it’s your insurance policy against sticking. If you want a really smooth finish, give the chocolate a good, firm stir after you drop each spoonful onto the paper. It helps smooth out those little spoon marks. And always, always make sure your peppermint extract is *pure* – artificial stuff just doesn’t taste the same! You can learn more about the best ways to melt chocolate here.
Variations for Your Mint Chocolate Medallions
One of the best things about these Mint Chocolate Medallions is how easy they are to customize! If you’re not a fan of semi-sweet, feel free to swap it out for milk chocolate or even white chocolate – just adjust the melting time as needed. Want a little something extra? Try adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate; it really makes the chocolate flavor pop! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap the peppermint extract for spearmint extract. And don’t forget those fun additions from the notes: a few drops of green food coloring make them super festive for holidays, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes right before they set adds a lovely crunch and extra minty zing!
Serving and Storing Your Mint Chocolate Medallions
These little Mint Chocolate Medallions are just perfect for so many occasions! I love having a batch ready for when friends pop over unexpectedly, or just for a little afternoon pick-me-up with my coffee. They’re small enough to feel like a treat without being too much. Once they’re all firm and ready to go, just carefully peel them off the parchment paper. For storing them, the best way is to pop them into an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry spot, but if your kitchen tends to be a bit warm, the fridge is a great option to keep them from getting melty. They’ll stay yummy for quite a while like this!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mint Chocolate Medallions
Got questions about these little chocolatey wonders? I’ve got you covered!
Q: Can I use chocolate chips that are not semi-sweet?
Absolutely! You can totally use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead. Just keep in mind that different chocolates melt a bit differently, so keep an eye on it and stir often. They’ll still be delicious!
Q: How long do these mint chocolate medallions last?
These are pretty stable little things! Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or in the fridge, they should stay nice and fresh for about 1-2 weeks. They’re such an easy dessert to have on hand!
Q: Can I melt the chocolate in a double boiler instead of the microwave?
Yes, you definitely can! A double boiler is a great way to melt chocolate gently. Just make sure the water in the bottom pot isn’t touching the bowl with the chocolate, and stir constantly until smooth. It’s a little more hands-on but a foolproof method. You can find more information on melting chocolate using a double boiler.
Q: What if my chocolate seizes up?
Oh no, seized chocolate is the worst! It usually happens if a tiny bit of water gets in or if it overheats. If it happens, try stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening. It might help smooth it out, but sometimes you might need to start over with a fresh batch of chocolate. That’s why the careful melting is so important for these no-bake treats!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These are perfect for making ahead. In fact, they’re best when they’ve had a little time to fully set and the flavors meld. Just make sure they’re stored properly in an airtight container.
Nutritional Estimate for Mint Chocolate Medallions
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are approximate since everyone uses slightly different chocolate or might add extra goodies! But generally, each of these yummy Mint Chocolate Medallions has about 70 calories, 4.5g of fat, 7g of carbohydrates, and 7g of sugar. You’ll also get a little bit of protein and fiber in there too. It’s a small, sweet indulgence that feels just right! For more details on the nutritional aspects of chocolate, you can check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central.
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Amazing Mint Chocolate Medallions: 10 Minute Treat
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 medallions 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making mint chocolate medallions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the medallions to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
Notes
- You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive look.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before setting for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medallion
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mint chocolate, chocolate candies, easy dessert, no-bake treats, peppermint chocolate