12.03.2020
How to Use Peppermint Extract
Simple ways to use peppermint extract in baking, drinks, frostings, ice cream, and marshmallows. Dosing and substitution tips included.
- Peppermint extract is much stronger than vanilla. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 the amount called for and add more to taste.
- Use it in cookies, frostings, hot cocoa, ice cream, and marshmallows. It pairs especially well with chocolate and coffee.
- Add extract late in the recipe or off heat to protect flavor, and store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place to keep potency.
If Jack Frost had a favorite flavor, it would surely be peppermint. A few drops of our peppermint extract add a touch of the holidays to all your favorite desserts. We’ve been playing around with peppermint in our test kitchen lately and wanted to share our notes. Be sure to pick up your peppermint extract before the holidays are over, it will be gone before all the snow has melted! If you have a favorite recipe for peppermint extract, email us at spices@thespicehouse.com, or leave us a comment below.
Substituting Peppermint Extract for Vanilla Extract
Next time you're baking something sweet, try using peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a minty twist. Peppermint extract is a stronger flavor than other baking flavorings like vanilla extract or almond extract, so start small by substituting half or a quarter amount of the extract called for in the recipe. Sugar cookies become candy cane delights when you add peppermint extract, and chocolate brownies transform into grasshopper brownie bites.
Winterize Your Hot Cocoa
Peppermint hot cocoa is what every elf at the north pole keeps in their thermos. All you have to do is tip a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract into two cups of regular hot cocoa. Even better, add a shot of espresso to the mug of peppermint cocoa for a candy cane mocha that rivals any corner coffee shop.
Festive Frosting
Just like cakes and cookies, any basic frosting recipe can be modified with a few drops of peppermint extract. This way, you can bake your favorite chocolate cake recipe and winterize it with peppermint frosting and some crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles.
Make Ice Cream Even Colder
Churn some cheer with candy cane ice cream. Sure you can buy peppermint ice cream at the store, but it will never be as rich as this ice cream recipe. Serve a scoop of this with a slice of your favorite chocolate cake or drizzle it with hot fudge. You could also get your favorite store-bought ice cream, like chocolate, and make it minty with a few drops of extract mixed in.
Minty Marshmallows
If you really want to double your joy with a hot cocoa, make peppermint marshmallows. You can follow our recipe for maple marshmallows, but use mint extract instead of maple extract. (Remember to cut back, though!) This peppermint marshmallow recipe can also be used as a layer in a holiday dessert. While the marshmallows are still viscous, spread them as a layer in your next ice box or pudding pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much peppermint extract should I use when substituting for vanilla?
Peppermint is stronger than vanilla. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 of the vanilla amount called for. For example, replace 1 teaspoon vanilla with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint, then adjust to taste.
Can I replace vanilla with peppermint extract in any recipe?
You can swap it in most sweet recipes like cookies, brownies, frostings, and ice cream. Avoid swapping in savory dishes or recipes where a vanilla aroma is important. Always start with less and taste as you go.
How much peppermint extract goes in hot cocoa?
Add about 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to two cups of hot cocoa, or roughly 1/8 teaspoon per cup. For a stronger drink, add a little more, but add slowly so it does not overpower the cocoa.
When should I add peppermint extract to preserve the flavor?
Add extract near the end of cooking or after removing from heat. High heat and prolonged cooking can dissipate the volatile flavor, so stirring it in off heat keeps the minty note brighter.
Can I use peppermint extract in ice cream and marshmallows?
Yes. For ice cream, stir the extract into the base before or during churning and start small. For marshmallows, add the extract after the mixture cools slightly and use less than you would stronger flavorings. Taste as you go.
Is peppermint extract the same as peppermint oil or peppermint flavoring?
No. Extracts are usually alcohol based and milder. Peppermint oil is more concentrated and may require much smaller amounts. Some artificial flavorings differ in intensity and solubility. Always check product labels and reduce amounts when switching types.
How should I store peppermint extract and how long does it last?
Keep it in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Properly stored extracts can remain usable for years, though the aroma may fade over time. If the scent is weak, increase the amount or replace the bottle.
How much peppermint extract should I use when substituting for vanilla?
Peppermint is stronger than vanilla. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 of the vanilla amount called for. For example, replace 1 teaspoon vanilla with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint, then adjust to taste.
Can I replace vanilla with peppermint extract in any recipe?
You can swap it in most sweet recipes like cookies, brownies, frostings, and ice cream. Avoid swapping in savory dishes or recipes where a vanilla aroma is important. Always start with less and taste as you go.
How much peppermint extract goes in hot cocoa?
Add about 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to two cups of hot cocoa, or roughly 1/8 teaspoon per cup. For a stronger drink, add a little more, but add slowly so it does not overpower the cocoa.
When should I add peppermint extract to preserve the flavor?
Add extract near the end of cooking or after removing from heat. High heat and prolonged cooking can dissipate the volatile flavor, so stirring it in off heat keeps the minty note brighter.
Can I use peppermint extract in ice cream and marshmallows?
Yes. For ice cream, stir the extract into the base before or during churning and start small. For marshmallows, add the extract after the mixture cools slightly and use less than you would stronger flavorings. Taste as you go.
Is peppermint extract the same as peppermint oil or peppermint flavoring?
No. Extracts are usually alcohol based and milder. Peppermint oil is more concentrated and may require much smaller amounts. Some artificial flavorings differ in intensity and solubility. Always check product labels and reduce amounts when switching types.
How should I store peppermint extract and how long does it last?
Keep it in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Properly stored extracts can remain usable for years, though the aroma may fade over time. If the scent is weak, increase the amount or replace the bottle.
These sound wonderful