(BPT) - Looking for ways to sweeten the holidays with special gifts, treats for gatherings and tasty recipes to bake together? You'll love creating magical holiday moments with help from Chocolove, makers of high-quality, European-style premium chocolate crafted to surprise and delight with every bite.
For this year's holiday offerings, enjoy a range of tantalizing flavors to make every occasion more joyful.
Tree-shaped bites
Chocolove's indulgent, individually wrapped bites in festive tree shapes are back for a limited time in classic seasonal flavors, and two new flavors! Packaged in elegant, stand-up bags (both small and large), they are perfect for stuffing stockings or gifting to teachers and party hosts:
- Dark Chocolate with Peppermint Creme Filling - A cherished holiday flavor profile, vegan-friendly Peppermint Creme bites made with refreshing peppermint oil and luxurious dark chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate with Marzipan Filling - A modern twist on a European classic and inspired by holiday traditions, rich premium dark chocolate and silky almond-forward marzipan combine for a melt-in-your-mouth bite worth savoring.
- Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter Filling - An elevated spin on a classic flavor pairing: Smooth premium milk chocolate and lightly salted peanut butter create a luscious, sweet-salty balance in every bite.
- Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut Truffle Filling - Fresh ground California hazelnuts combine with Belgian milk chocolate and a hint of sea salt to make a silky truffle filling inside a delicious milk chocolate shell.
Find the bites on shelves at Whole Foods, Target (new), Walmart (new), Walgreen's (new), CVS (new), Albertson's, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Raley's, Chocolove.com and more.
Elevated gift boxes to share and savor
These elegant, gourmet offerings handmade by Master Chocolatier Chef Patrick Peeters are gift options for everyone on your "nice" list (including yourself!). Find them exclusively on Chocolove.com:
- Cozy Holiday Moments Chocolate Gift Box - Experience the magic of sipping your favorite warm beverages in this assortment of 12 handcrafted truffles. Milk and dark chocolates are filled with Peppermint Mocha, Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows and Assam Chai Tea flavors.
- European Connoisseurs Collection Gift Box - Elevate your celebrations with this elegant collection of 12 decadent chocolates inspired by European holiday flavors. Dark, milk and white chocolates feature Coconut & Almond Marzipan, Eggnog Ganache & Gingersnap Cookie, Orange Florentine Ganache and Mincemeat & Almond Streusel Cookie flavors.
- Peppermint Bark Assortment Gift Box - Immerse your senses in a refreshing zest of peppermint with luxurious double-layered bark, boasting a rich dark chocolate bottom with velvety white chocolate top adorned with crunchy peppermint candy pieces.
- Luxe Layers Collection - Whether you're feeling dazzling or dramatic, find your flavor match with these two limited-edition gourmet bar creations: elegant and vibrant Ruby Chocolate with Mango Passionfruit and Feuilletine, and creamy and crisp Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate with Pistachio.
Bake your way to holiday happiness
Love baking decadent treats with family and friends? Indulge in the festive flavors of this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bar recipe featuring creamy peppermint frosting that perfectly balances the bold intensity of dark chocolate brownies. These are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.
Ingredients
Dark chocolate brownies
- 2 bars Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Peppermint cream topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese (brick style), softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 9-16 Chocolove Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creme Trees
Preparations:
- Grease 8×8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over each side. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
Make the brownie batter
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Break apart chocolate bars and place in a heat-safe bowl along with the cubed butter and salt.
- Place the bowl over a pot with about 1 inch of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in espresso powder and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and sugars together until sugars have dissolved (about 1.5-2 minutes).
- Pour chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk to combine (the chocolate should be warm but not hot).
- Add flour and gently fold together with a rubber spatula.
Bake the brownies:
- Bake on the center rack of the oven 22-27 minutes.
- Allow to fully cool in pan before carefully removing with the parchment paper.
Make the peppermint cream:
- Whip the butter and cream cheese together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth.
- Add half the powdered sugar along with the peppermint extract, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth and incorporated.
- Add the other half of the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix again until smooth and fluffy.
- Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the mixture is still too thick and add a little additional powdered sugar if the mixture is too thin.
Frost/garnish the brownies:
- Pipe or spread the peppermint cream frosting on the brownies.
- Top each brownie with a Chocolove Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creme Tree.
Find plenty of delicious treats to help you create moments of joy at Chocolove.com.