Top 5 peppermint treats for the holiday season

Bryna Shuman, Staff Writer

Peppermint desserts are synonymous with the holiday season. There’s something about the refreshing twinge of mint, often paired with the richer indulgence of chocolate, that reminds us of first snowfalls, glittering lights and holiday carols. New Yor

k City in all of its holiday glory has not ignored this, and offers numerous peppermint goodies for us to enjoy. Here is a list of the top five peppermint treats in the city.

Chocolate Mint Donut from Dun-Well Doughnuts | 222 Montrose Ave., Brooklyn

Homemade donuts are a rare and delicious treat. Homemade mint-chocolate donuts from Dun-Well Doughnuts are even more incredible. The donut itself is made with a mint-flavored batter that somehow cooks to be dense and flaky all at once. The piping-hot donut is then topped with a dark chocolate icing that melts on and holds tight. While the donut might be a bit too rich to start off your morning, it is certainly perfect for an indulgent dessert. $2.50.

Peppermint Meringues from Épicerie Boulud | 1900 Broadway

These delicate and breezy peppermint meringues are a beautiful, pale green, lovingly curled into tight ribbons by the talented hands at Épicerie Boulud. The meringues are not overwhelming in their minty flavor; instead, they are a perfect light treat compared to many heavier desserts of the holiday season. For a unique twist, float them on top of a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. $3.75 for four.

Peppermint Brownies from Doughboy Bake Shop | 535 Hudson St.

It is not the rich and gooey batter that makes Doughboy Bake Shop’s Peppermint Brownies so amazing. Nor is it the dark chocolate chips melted into dense pockets in every bite. No, what makes these brownies in particular so delectable is the core of peppermint meringue that gives them a satisfying crunch before melting in your mouth. $3.50.

Mint Ice Cream Sandwich from ‘Wichcraft | 60 E. 8th St.

If you are willing to brave the cold, try out these mint ice cream sandwiches from ‘Wichcraft. The mint ice cream is made from fresh mint leaves and includes a generous helping of chocolate chips mixed in. A large scoop is placed between two soft chocolate cookies for a treat that is well worth the chill. $4.25.

Candy Canes from Papabubble | 380 Broome St.

These are not your average, $0.99 drugstore candy canes. These candy canes from Barcelona-based candy company Papabubble are roughly five times larger than a regular candy cane, and infinitely more beautiful. While your regular candy cane is a sticky, artificial red with mediocre mint flavoring, Papabubble’s candy canes are a beautiful swirl of red and white with a cracked core of amber sugar and a mint flavor as fresh as crushed-up mint leaves. $8.

Bryna Shuman is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].