Nothing says Merry Christmas more than the taste and smell of peppermint. This flavor is frequently added to beverages and treats during the holiday season. It is very simple to whip up a luscious peppermint buttercream frosting to make your favorite chocolate or white cake recipe even more festive. Just one dollop will add some holiday spirit at the dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure butter at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• Red or green food coloring (optional)

Beat the butter with a mixer until it is very light. Add the powered sugar a little bit at a time, until the butter and sugar are completely creamed together.

Add the peppermint extract to the mixture, and continue to mix. Pour in the milk. Keep mixing the frosting until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture. Spread onto a cooled cake. Keep the finished product refrigerated until it is time to serve.

For a little more holiday fun, add a few drops of red or green food coloring. This will really make your cake look even more festive.

My favorite way to enjoy this frosting is on top of dark chocolate cupcakes. It also tastes great when combined with vanilla. Let the kids help you frost and decorate the cake. Food always tastes better when you have a little help.

Even though this is one of the easiest frosting recipes to make, I always save it for the holidays. From personal experience, having a few sweet treats that you do not enjoy any other time of the year makes baking even more fun during the Christmas season. Give this buttery frosting a try at your next holiday gathering, and let me know if it was a hit!