Name: Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp peppermint extract; 1/2 cup whipped cream; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (for garnish); Graham crackers or cookie sticks (for serving)

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Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

Nothing says festive and easy like a bowl of creamy minty dip studded with chocolate chips — it’s quick to make, brightens any holiday spread, and pairs perfectly with graham crackers or crunchy cookie sticks. This friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in minutes and brings holiday colors and flavors to your appetizer table without fuss. If you enjoy playful sweet dips and cookies, you might also like Cadbury Mini Egg Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, which share the same celebratory spirit.

Why make this recipe

It’s ready in under 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for last-minute hosting.
The peppermint-chocolate combo is festive and familiar — everyone recognizes and loves it.
No baking required: just beat, fold, chill (if you want), and serve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

This section walks you through the assembly so you’ll end up with a glossy, scoopable dip that’s balanced between sweet cream cheese tang and cool peppermint brightness.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Graham crackers or cookie sticks (for serving)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
Gently fold in the whipped cream and mini chocolate chips.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Serve with graham crackers or cookie sticks for dipping.

Notes on the method

Soften the cream cheese fully (leave at room temperature for 30–60 minutes) to avoid lumps when you beat it. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 10–15 seconds, then check and repeat in 5-second intervals until pliable.
Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer on low-to-medium speed for smooth, aerated cream. Overmixing after adding whipped cream can deflate the texture, so fold the whipped cream in gently with a spatula.
Mini chocolate chips are ideal because they distribute well without weighing the dip down. If you have regular-sized chips, give them a quick chop.

Best Way to Store Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

Refrigerate: 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C)
Freeze: Not recommended for best texture; if frozen, store up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C) but expect some separation on thawing
Serving temperature after storage: chill thoroughly and let sit 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly

How to serve

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

Platter idea: Place the dip in a shallow bowl at the center of a large board and arrange graham crackers, ginger snaps, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and shortbread fingers around it for variety.
For kids: Swap the peppermint extract for vanilla or use a smaller amount of peppermint so the flavor is milder and pair it with animal crackers or fruit slices.
Party upgrade: Serve the dip inside a hollowed mini bread bowl or a pumpernickel round for an unexpected presentation, or pipe it into cups for individual portions and top with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.

Tips to make Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

Chill the cream cheese first: Pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if it becomes too soft while prepping other ingredients; slightly cooler cream cheese whips up with better structure.
Control the peppermint: Start with 1/2 teaspoon, taste, and add up to 1 teaspoon if you want a bolder mint profile — extracts vary in strength.
Add texture: Fold in chopped candy canes or finely crushed Andes mints with the chocolate chips for a more intense mint-chocolate crunch.
Keep chips dispersed: Toss the mini chocolate chips in a teaspoon of powdered sugar before folding them in; this helps prevent sinking and clumping.

Variations

Cookie-dough inspired (bullet): Replace some or all of the mini chocolate chips with cookie dough pieces or chunks of cookie for a decadent twist. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Lighter version (paragraph): For a lighter take, swap full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat variety and use light whipped topping in place of heavy whipped cream. The texture will be slightly less rich but still very enjoyable — finish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for the same festive look.

Why this dip works (a short explanation)

What makes this Holiday Mint Chocolate Chip Dip special is the way simple, familiar ingredients combine for maximum impact: the tang and body of cream cheese create a sturdy, scoopable base; powdered sugar sweetens without graininess; whipped cream lifts the texture so it’s not dense; peppermint extract delivers that unmistakable holiday note; and mini chocolate chips provide little pockets of chocolatey joy. It’s festive without being fussy.

Serving occasions and pairings

Holiday cookie swaps and cookie exchanges: Serve alongside cookies so guests can dip or scoop onto their plates — it’s a welcome soft-texture contrast to crunchy cookies.
Family movie nights or cozy game nights: Quick to prepare and loved by kids and adults, it’s a low-effort sweet treat that still feels special.
Dessert buffet: Pair with fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers for color and variety. The mint pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate items and bright red fruits like raspberries or pomegranate arils.

Ingredient swaps and dietary notes

Non-dairy: Use a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping to make this vegan-friendly; look for mini vegan chocolate chips.
Lower sugar: Substitute powdered sugar with a confectioners’ erythritol blend at a 1:1 ratio designed for baking to reduce sugar while maintaining texture.
Stronger chocolate presence: Add 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the whipped cream for a mint-chocolate cheesecake feel.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — you can make the dip the day before and refrigerate it, but for best texture, add the crushed peppermint candies right before serving so they stay crunchy.

Q: How can I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
A: Avoid over-folding the whipped cream once added to prevent it from breaking down; also, don’t add extra liquid flavorings. If the dip loosens after refrigeration, give it a quick stir and chill 10–15 minutes.

Q: Is peppermint extract the same as peppermint oil?
A: No. Peppermint extract is alcohol-based and designed for baking; peppermint oil is concentrated and much stronger. If using peppermint oil, use it sparingly — start with a drop and taste.

Q: Can I use fresh mint leaves instead of extract?
A: Fresh mint won’t provide the same intensity as extract. You could infuse a tiny amount of chopped fresh mint into the whipped cream for a subtle, fresh note, but combine with extract if you want a pronounced mint flavor.

Q: What if my cream cheese has lumps?
A: Beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth before adding sugar. If lumps persist, scrape the bowl and continue mixing, or pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth result.

Hosting tips and presentation ideas

Color pop: Garnish with red and white crushed peppermint for a classic holiday color palette; add a sprig of fresh mint on top for contrast.
Kid-friendly cups: Portion into small cups with a graham cracker or pretzel stick perched in the dip — easy for little hands and tidy for parties.
Buffet labeling: Label the dip with allergen info (contains dairy, gluten if serving with graham crackers) to help guests with dietary restrictions.

Troubleshooting common issues

Too stiff: If the dip is too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or gently fold in a tablespoon of additional whipped cream to loosen texture.
Too sweet: Balance sweetness with a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness; serve with less-sweet dippers like plain pretzels or apple slices.
Chips sink to bottom: Use mini chips (preferred) or toss chips in a small amount of powdered sugar before adding to help them stay suspended.

Additional pairings and creative serving ideas

Ice-cream topping: Spoon a dollop warmed slightly over vanilla ice cream for a mint-chocolate sauce with texture.
Crepe filling: Use as a filling for crepes and fold with fresh strawberries for a holiday brunch twist.
Sandwich cookies: Spread between two shortbread rounds to make festive sandwich cookies for gifting.

A final note on safety and serving

Always keep dairy-based dips refrigerated until serving and discard leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours. If you’re hosting outdoors in cold climates, protect the dip from direct sun and heat sources to preserve texture and safety.

Conclusion

If you want a cookie-dough-style mint option to complement this dip, try Hezzi-D’s Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip, which offers a playful, no-bake cookie-dough take on mint-chocolate flavors. For a cheesecake-inspired peppermint alternative that’s great for holiday dessert tables, see The Soccer Mom Blog’s Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Dip.