Mint chocolate candy, also known as mint chocolate, refers to a variety of confections that combine mint flavoring with chocolate. It’s a popular combination that offers an indulgent yet refreshing treat. But what exactly is this minty chocolate candy called? There are actually several common names used to describe these delicious confections.
Peppermint Patties
One of the most well-known mint chocolate candies is the peppermint patty. These small, round discs have a smooth dark chocolate exterior that cracks when bitten to reveal a soft, cool minty center. Popular brands of peppermint patties include York Peppermint Patties and Junior Mints.
Key Facts about Peppermint Patties
- Made with real peppermint oil for refreshing flavor
- Have a creamy, fondant-like mint filling
- Coated in a thin layer of dark chocolate
- Bite-sized and portable
Mint Chocolate Bars
Chocolate mint also comes in bar form, with mint flavored fillings encased in chocolate. These bars have a smooth, creamy texture punctuated by crispy bits of cookie or wafer. Popular brands include Andes Chocolate Mints, Hershey’s Peppermint Candy Bars, and Nestle Crunch Crisp Mint.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Bars
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Andes Chocolate Mints | Thin dark chocolate wafers sandwiching mint cream |
| Hershey’s Peppermint Bar | White peppermint cream covered in milk chocolate |
| Nestle Crunch Crisp Mint | Mint fondant and crisped rice in milk chocolate |
After Dinner Mints
Small minty candies that are served after a meal are also classified as after dinner mints. These dainty candies have a pleasant mint flavor that helps freshen breath. Popular tiny mints include round Andes Candies, York Thin Mints, and chocolate-coated Petite Mints.
Key Facts about After Dinner Mints
- Bite-sized thin mints or chocolate candies
- Offered at restaurants after meals
- Freshens breath with minty flavor
- Come in a variety of shapes like discs, squares, and rounds
Mint Chocolate Truffles
For a truly decadent mint chocolate experience, nothing beats mint chocolate truffles. These are made of smooth chocolate ganache infused with mint and enrobed in chocolate. Some even have minty fillings inside! Luxury brands like Godiva and Lindt offer gourmet mint chocolate truffles.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Truffles
- Soft, creamy ganache center
- Coated in milk, white or dark chocolate
- Some have liquid mint or mint cream fillings
- Considered a high-end, gourmet confection
Mint Chocolate Bark and Brittle
For mint chocolate in crunchy slab form, candy bark and brittle are perfect options. Chocolate mint bark features a solid dark or milk chocolate base studded with mint candies or crystals. Mint chocolate brittle offers sheets of hard but breakable candy with the flavors of mint and chocolate.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Bark and Brittle
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Chocolate Bark | Shards of chocolate embedded with bits of mint candy or oil |
| Mint Chocolate Brittle | Crisp sheets of candy flavored with mint and chocolate |
Mint Chocolate Fudge
Rich, buttery mint chocolate fudge is also a popular incarnation of this flavor duo. It’s made by cooking sugar and cream to soft ball stage, then beating in chocolate, mint extract, and sometimes marshmallow creme until thick, creamy, and spreadable.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Fudge
- Has a smooth, fudgy texture
- Can be nutty, marshmallowy, or plain
- Usually made with cream and butter
- Formed into cubes or squares after setting
Mint Cupcakes and Cakes
Mint chocolate also stars in cupcakes, cakes, and other baked goods. Mint chocolate cupcakes are chocolate cakes topped with mint buttercream or chocolate frosting and sometimes filled with minty ganache. Mint chocolate chip cake contains bits of mint chocolate in the batter.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Cupcakes and Cakes
- Cupcakes have mint frosting and sometimes mint filling
- Cakes have mint chips or chunks inside
- Mint extract adds refreshing flavor
- Green food coloring gives a minty hue
Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream is a beloved frozen incarnation of this flavor pairing. It’s made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar that gets churned with cocoa powder and tiny bits of mint chocolate candy. It’s topped with fudge swirls or chocolate sauce.
Key Facts about Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
- Has refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavors
- Studded with bits of candy or chocolate chips
- Can be found in cones, sundaes, milkshakes
- A best-selling, crowd-pleasing flavor
Conclusion
So in summary, there are many delightful types of mint chocolate candy out there! From chocolate bars to truffles, brittles, baked goods, and ice cream, the options are endless for this fresh, indulgent flavor combination. Whether you prefer a cool after dinner mint or a rich mint chocolate fudge, there’s a minty chocolate confection out there for you.