Happy holidays, everyone! Whatever it is you’re celebrating.

I am here, yet again, to celebrate the holiday staple that is peppermint. This frosting is the perfect combination of sweetness and minty freshness that will go with any of your holiday baking – brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes.

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

(adapted from Simply Recipes)

Ingredients (yields 1 1/2 cups of frosting)

1/4 cup of butter (thawed)

4 oz. cream cheese (thawed)

1 to 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy

Directions

Blend butter and cream cheese with electric blender until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix.

Gradually blend in confectioners sugar. Start with 1 cup, and then add to taste. Remember, you’ll be adding more sugar when you mix in the peppermint.

Gradually blend in the crushed peppermint candy. The candy has to be crushed finely, especially if you plan on piping the frosting.

My camera really doesn’t do the color of this frosting justice (it really is pink). But if you want, you can add a drop or two of red food coloring for extra color.

Pipe or spread on top of your favorite holiday treat. I made some mini brownie cupcakes in my fancy schmancy new mini-cupcake maker. Isn’t she beautiful?

And voila! Your holiday is complete. Stay tuned to The SCOOP for more winter food adventures in the next couple weeks.

~Hafsa Razi