The season of giving is here and there is no better gift than a sweet treat you make for others. Mint cocoa stirrers are small chocolate cups filled with hot chocolate mix and mint flavoring that melts into a warm drink. They are simple to make, kid-friendly and perfect for holiday gifting.
Why You’ll Love These Mint Cocoa Stirrers
- No baking required. You only need a few ingredients to make the magic happen.
- Perfect for kids. Easy enough for young bakers to help with.
- Great for gifting. Wrap them in small bags for teacher or hostess gifts.
- Upgrades your drink. Adds a minty chocolate flavor to any hot drink.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the chocolate, flavoring and/or toppings to fit dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)
Chocolate Candy Wafers: using melting wafers or candy coating/bark is easier than tempering chocolate.
Hot Chocolate: add a packet of hot chocolate mix for that classic cocoa flavor.
Peppermint Extract: choose a peppermint extract without added water for a smooth texture.
Andes Mints: place a whole piece of candy on top or chop a few to melt with the chocolate.
Mini Marshmallows: add a festive touch with dehydrated marshmallow bits on the top.
Helpful Baking Tools
Wooden Stirrers: wooden stirrers or rock candy sticks work well and look cute for gifting.
Silicone Baking Cups: use mini silicone baking cups or a silicone mini muffin pan for easy removal.
Cookie Sheet: use a cookie sheet to hold the silicone baking cups on.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: to melt chocolate, a microwave-safe bowl or a candy melting pot works best.
Spatula: a small silicone spatula is needed for stirring the chocolate.
Measuring Cup: use a liquid measuring cup or piping bag to fill the molds neatly.
Bags: wrap stirrers in small bags for gifting finished cocoa stirrers.
Tips for Making Mint Cocoa Stirrers
Mint cocoa stirrers are a nice addition to hot chocolate or coffee drinks. Keep these tips in mind when making these mint cocoa stirrers.
- Melt chocolate slowly. Heat for 30 seconds in the microwave, stir, then continue to heat in 15-second intervals until melted. If the chocolate becomes thick or grainy, stir in a teaspoon of a neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, to smooth it out.
- Pour slowly into baking cups. Transfer the chocolate mixture into a liquid measuring cup or piping bag to evenly fill the molds.
- Add wooden stirrers at the right time. Let the chocolate firm up slightly so the stick stays centered. If added too soon, the stick will lean to the side.
- Let the cocoa stirrer set fully. Let each cocoa stirrer harden completely before removing from the silicone mold and wrapping.
How to Make Mint Cocoa Stirrers
This no-bake recipe makes it easy to get young bakers involved in making these mint cocoa stirrers. Be sure to allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly so kids can safely handle the warm chocolate. Check the recipe card for detailed instructions, including exact ingredient measurements.
1. Melt the chocolate; do not overheat.
2. Add the hot chocolate mix and extract.
3. Stir mixture until smooth.
4. Pour into each silicone mold.
5. Fill each mold about ¾” full.
6. Add candy, marshmallows and wooden sticks.
7. Once firm, remove from the molds.
8. Wrap individually if gifting.
Variations to Easily Customize Cocoa Stirrers
These cocoa stirrers are easy to adapt to any flavor combination. Try one of the ideas below or get creative and come up with your own version.
- Simply Cocoa: leave out the mint extract and Andes candy and rely on the hot chocolate mix for that classic cocoa flavor.
- White Chocolate Candy Cane: use white chocolate melting wafers and crushed candy canes for a sweet peppermint twist.
- Gingerbread Spice: add store-bought or homemade gingerbread spice to the melted chocolate and finish with seasonal sprinkles.
- Cinnamon Spice: stir both cinnamon and cinnamon baking chips into the melted chocolate. Add a few chopped chips on top for extra flavor.
- Salted Caramel: add caramel bits to the melted chocolate and top with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Allergy-Friendly Tip
Choose ingredients that fit your allergen or dietary needs. Always read labels carefully. Some candy coatings, bark and decorations may contain allergens like dairy or soy while others may be processed on shared equipment with other allergens.
How to Store Mint Cocoa Stirrers
These mint cocoa stirrers keep well and can be made up to two weeks ahead of time.
- At Room Temperature. Store wrapped or unwrapped cocoa stirrers in an airtight container. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent melting.
- In the Fridge. Wrap the cocoa stirrers, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge to keep fresher for longer. Let come to room temperature before using.
- Do Not Freeze. Freezing is not recommended as the chocolate may crack or have texture and moisture issues when thawed.
Ways To Use Your Mint Cocoa Stirrers
Here are a few ways to enjoy or gift your mint cocoa stirrers.
- Create a holiday drink bar by setting up mugs, cocoa stirrers, whipped cream and sprinkles for a fun holiday activity.
- Make a cocoa gift set by placing a packet of homemade hot cocoa, a wrapped stirrer and marshmallows in an empty mug.
- Wrap a few stirrers in a cute gift bag to share with others.
- Stir one into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for extra richness and a minty mocha flavor.
FAQs About Mint Cocoa Stirrers
- How do you use a cocoa stirrer?
Place one cocoa stirrer in a mug of hot milk, hot coffee or hot chocolate cocoa and stir until the chocolate melts. - Do I need special molds to make cocoa stirrers?
No special molds are needed. Silicone mini muffin liners are easiest since stirrers are easy to remove. An ice cube tray or lined mini muffin pan can also be used. - Can I fix chocolate that has been overheated and is now grainy?
Yes. Add a small amount of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, and stir gently until the chocolate becomes smooth. Avoid adding water or butter since either one will cause the chocolate to seize and turn thick or lumpy. - How do I keep the wooden stirrer from leaning?
Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes until it starts to thicken, then add the stick. If added too soon, it will fall to the side.
More DIY Holiday Treats
Homemade gifts and holiday treats are extra-special during the holidays. Try making a batch of Homemade Hot Chocolate to give throughout the winter. Or adapt these Valentine’s Day Baked Gifts for the holiday season. Dipped S’mores Marshmallows are a perfect treat to make and give any time of the year. If you try making any of these recipes be sure to leave a rating and let me know what you think.
Mint Cocoa Stirrers
Ingredients
- 1 bag (283g) chocolate melting wafers
- 1 envelope (39g) hot chocolate mix
- 12 pieces Andes Creme de Menthe candy
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup (20g) dehydrated marshmallow bits
Instructions
- Arrange silicone molds onto a cookie sheet; set aside.
- Place the chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Slowly melt chocolate in 15-30-second intervals, stirring each time. Continue microwaving in short bursts until almost fully melted. Do not overheat the chocolate.*
- Add the hot chocolate mix and peppermint extract into the chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Transfer the chocolate mix to a liquid measuring cup or piping bag to make it easier to fill molds. Fill molds about three-quarters full.
- Tap the cookie sheet gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Add a few mini marshmallows and one Andes mint candy to the top.
- When slightly set, add the wooden stirrer into the center of each mold. Let the stirrers firm up completely before removing silicone mold.
- Once firm, remove silicone mold and wrap each stirrer in a small bag or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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