Okay, let’s talk holiday baking! Or, even better, let’s talk about *not* baking! I’m all about easy recipes during the crazy holiday season, and these Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls are a lifesaver. Seriously, they’re the perfect way to get that festive feeling without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? No oven required! You just mix a few ingredients, roll ’em up, and boom – holiday magic.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when my oven decided to take a vacation of its own right before Christmas. Total panic! But honestly, these peppermint balls were a total game-changer. They were so quick and easy that even *I* couldn’t mess them up (and trust me, that’s saying something!). Plus, the peppermint flavor is just so… Christmassy, you know? Now, they’re a tradition. Even my grandkids help make ’em. So if you’re looking for a super simple, festive treat, this is it, folks! Let’s get rolling!

Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Okay, so why should you even bother with these easy no-bake peppermint balls? Lemme tell ya:

**Super easy, duh!** I mean, no baking? Yes, please! Perfect for when you’re short on time (or patience!).
**Peppermint perfection:** That cool, minty flavor just screams “holidays!” You can’t help but feel festive.
**Kid-friendly fun:** Get the little ones involved! Rolling these peppermint balls is a blast for kids of all ages (just watch out for sticky fingers!).
Totally addictive: Seriously, you can’t just eat one. They’re the perfect little bite-sized treat.

Ingredients for the Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need just a few simple things to whip up these pepperminty delights:

2 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (trust me, the name brands are tastier!)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (the glue that holds it all together!)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (careful, a little goes a LONG way!)
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (my favorite part – the crunch!)

How to Make This Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the lowdown on how to whip up these little beauties:

**Get your mix on:** In a medium bowl, dump in those vanilla wafer crumbs. Then, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the peppermint extract. Now, here’s a tip: don’t go overboard with the extract! It’s potent stuff, and you don’t want your peppermint balls tasting like mouthwash, okay?
**Candy time!** Stir in that glorious crushed peppermint candy. I like to save a little extra for rolling later – it just makes ’em look extra festive, ya know?
**Roll, baby, roll:** Now, this is where it gets fun! Roll the mixture into small balls. I usually aim for about an inch in diameter, but hey, go wild! Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they look purdy. Careful, the mixture will be a little sticky.
**Coat ’em good:** Roll those balls in the extra crushed peppermint candies. Make sure you get ’em completely covered! This is what gives them that awesome crunch and extra pop of peppermint flavor.
**Chill out:** Place the peppermint balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this prevents sticking) and pop ’em in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is important! Chilling helps them firm up and keeps them from being too soft and melty.
**Serve and devour:** Once they’re chilled, they’re ready to go! Arrange them on a pretty plate, and watch ’em disappear!

Tips for the Best Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Want your peppermint balls to be the *bomb*? Of course, you do! Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:

**Chill time is crucial:** Don’t skimp on the chilling! It really makes a difference in the texture. They’ll be easier to handle and hold their shape better.
**Get your hands a little wet**: Before rolling, dampen your hands slightly with water. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your paws.
Candy Crush pro tip: I like to pulse the peppermint candies in a food processor. It gives you a really nice, even crush. But you can also put them in a baggie and whack ’em gently with a rolling pin if you’re feelin’ old school.
**Don’t overcrowd:** When chilling, make sure the peppermint balls have a little breathing room on the baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Okay, let’s chat ingredients! Got a hankering to tweak things? Here’s what you can do:

Vanilla Wafers: I love the classic taste! But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for it! Golden Oreos (without the filling, of course) would be amazing. Even ginger snaps could work for a spicier vibe. Just make sure whatever cookie you choose is nice and crisp.

Peppermint Extract: Now, if you *really* don’t like peppermint (gasp!), you could try vanilla extract. But honestly, then they wouldn’t be peppermint balls, would they? Just sayin’! Also, a little bit of rum extract adds warmth nobody would expect!

Crushed Peppermint Candies: These are what makes this recipe pepperminty, so swapping them out would change the end result completely. However, you could add a drizzle of melted chocolate along with the crushed candies for an extra surprise. Who doesn’t love chocolate and peppermint?

FAQ About This Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

How long do these peppermint balls last?

Good question! These little guys will keep in the fridge for up to a week, no problem. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container, or they might dry out a bit. But trust me, they’ll probably be gone way before then!

Can I freeze them?

You betcha! If you wanna make ’em way ahead of time, freezing’s the way to go. Just pop ’em in a freezer-safe container and they’ll be good for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. I find that freezing does change the texture slightly, especially those crunchy peppermint pieces. But hey, still delicious!

Can I use a different kind of extract?

Well, then they wouldn’t be peppermint balls anymore, would they? Okay, kidding! If you’re not a peppermint fan (I know, hard to believe!), you could try vanilla extract. But honestly, the peppermint is what makes them so festive! Maybe try almond extract (only a tiny bit!) for a completely different flavor profile, but stick with peppermint for that classic holiday taste!

My peppermint balls are too sticky! What did I do wrong?

Don’t panic! This happens sometimes. It probably means your sweetened condensed milk was a little on the thin side or your crumbs weren’t dry enough. Just pop the mixture back in the fridge for a bit longer to firm up. Also, wet hands (as in, slightly damp!) will keep the mixture from sticking to your palms when you roll them!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for the Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Wanna get ahead of the holiday rush? These peppermint balls are perfect for making in advance! Just whip ’em up, chill ’em, and store ’em in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’re also freezer-friendly, which is awesome! Just thaw ’em in the fridge before serving. And, uh, hide ’em in the back so you don’t eat them all before the big day! Trust me, I speak from experience. Oops!

Estimated Nutritional Information for this Easy No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe for Holidays

Okay, here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, consider this just a general estimate, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me if your peppermint balls have, like, one extra calorie!

Enjoyed this Recipe? Leave a Comment and Rate!

Hey, if you loved these easy no-bake peppermint balls as much as I do, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! Your feedback helps other folks find this recipe and know it’s a winner. Plus, I just love hearing from you all! Maybe you want a healthier recipe? Check out these lemon coconut protein power balls!