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.
SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE
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.
PEPPERMINT COCOA RECIPE
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.
CANDY CANE ICE CREAM RECIPE
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.
MARSHMALLOW RECIPE
FAQs
As well as inhaling and applying peppermint oil topically, you can drink it by adding it to herbal teas or hot or cold water. Alternatively, you can use peppermint tea bags. Peppermint capsules are often used to help relieve the symptoms of IBS.
Can you put peppermint extract in water and drink it? ›
As well as inhaling and applying peppermint oil topically, you can drink it by adding it to herbal teas or hot or cold water. Alternatively, you can use peppermint tea bags. Peppermint capsules are often used to help relieve the symptoms of IBS.
Can you consume peppermint extract? ›
What Do We Know About Safety? Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally (by mouth) or applied topically in the doses commonly used. Peppermint oil has been safely used in many clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth.
How do you dilute peppermint extract? ›
Many people use a teaspoon to measure how many essential oil drops are needed, as it holds approximately 5 ml of oil, which is about 100 drops of carrier oil. This means to dilute to 2%, you will only need to add 2 drops of peppermint oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, which can be easily done using the dropper.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of essential oil? ›
Peppermint extract and peppermint oil are two different ingredients and peppermint extract can be used as a substitute to essential oil for making some recipes. Peppermint extract cannot be always used as essential oil.
Will peppermint extract keep mice away? ›
Peppermint oil is an essential oil and much like a perfume that you'd use on your body, after some time, the effectiveness of the oil wears off as the oils and chemicals inside of the peppermint spray breaks down. Mice will simply avoid it, but it will not deter them from accessing your home.
Is peppermint extract good for your stomach? ›
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression.
Can you drink peppermint extract in coffee? ›
Finally, you can try using peppermint extract for a particularly strong wintery taste. All you need is a drop or two of the extract to give your coffee a fresh and minty flavor, but you can always add more. Remember to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to your liking.
Can you use peppermint extract in hot tea? ›
And peppermint leaves (fresh or dried), extract or essential oil can also be used for brewing your own herbal mint tea infusion at home.
Can you use too much peppermint extract? ›
Menthol is the ingredient in peppermint oil that can be poisonous in large amounts.
Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, whereas peppermint extract is just that. Whether you prefer the subtle flavor of spearmint or the in-your-face flavor of peppermint, we have a recipe to suit your taste. Below, we've shared some of our favorite mint recipes.
How do you use peppermint extract for bugs? ›
For decades, peppermint oil has served as a potent insect repellent and research has confirmed this fact. When used around entry points in the home and applied via sachets near doors and windows or diffuser or spray, it can help repel ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles and ants.
What is peppermint extract good for? ›
It may also help to "cool" the skin and relieve itching. People use peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used for indigestion, bed sores, tension headache, anxiety, insomnia, memory, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Which is stronger peppermint oil or extract? ›
The main difference between peppermint oil and extract is the concentration. Plant extracts are diluted with alcohol and other liquid ingredients, so they are less potent. Oils are not diluted, making them far more concentrated. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that may have potential benefits.
Can I put peppermint extract in my hair? ›
Peppermint oil is great if your hair is on the greasier side. It clarifies, cleans, and invigorates the hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Peppermint oil balances your scalp's production of sebum, leaving your hair nourished and hydrated without weighing it down.
Is it safe to drink peppermint water? ›
You can drink refreshing mint water all day to stay healthy and hydrated. You may also notice improvements in your digestive system if you favor mint water over other higher calorie beverages. Try making your own mint water at home to see what you think of this refreshing, low calorie drink.
Can a peppermint dissolve in water? ›
The heat of the hot water makes sugar molecules move quicker, dissolving the sugar faster than the cold or room temperature water. The lower temperature of the cold water makes the molecules slow down, dissolving the mint less quickly. Try tasting the water!
Can you use mint extract in drinks? ›
Peppermint is refreshing and provides a wonderful cooling sensation to any treat. It makes for the perfect compliment to many deserts and drinks.
Can you put peppermint extract in tea? ›
And peppermint leaves (fresh or dried), extract or essential oil can also be used for brewing your own herbal mint tea infusion at home.
