Today’s science advent calendar activity is making Christmas Peppermint Creams! These are very simple to make and would make a lovely gift for family and friends.
I’m using these to demonstrate changes of state as the chocolate is melted and then sets again, but you could also experiment with different flavours.
How to make Peppermint Creams
Ingredients
350g Icing Sugar
1 tablespoon condensed milk
A few drops peppermint extract
55g plain chocolate melted
Instructions
Mix the icing sugar with the condensed milk and knead until you have a smooth consistency.
Roll out and use cookie cutters to shape.
Leave for about 3 hours to harden and then coat with the melted chocolate.
This experiment is a great way to demonstrate the process of changing state from solid to liquid and back again.
Changes of State
SOLID ––> LIQUID = MELTING
LIQUID ––> GAS = EVAPORATING/BOILING
GAS ––> LIQUID = CONDENSING
LIQUID ––> SOLID = COOLING/FREEZING
When the chocolate was heated it changed from solid to liquid, which is an example of melting and when we move back from a liquid into a solid it is an example of cooling/freezing.
The reason this happens is because when you provide heat the particles that make up the solid are given energy which cause them to vibrate and then break the bonds holding them together. As they cool they lose this energy and so forms bonds again but not in the same shape…this is why we can mould chocolate and other substances!
My children called these toothpaste sweets! I think they’d be a great gift wrapped in a little bag with a ribbon too.
For more Christmas ideas check out our 10 Christmas Science activities post.
Last Updated on November 2, 2020 by Emma Vanstone
Oooh these look yummy and so festive!! Wonderful.
Maggy
PS Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
I think I know what our “science project” for this weekend is going to be! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you like it 🙂
I can’t wait to create these with my daughter? Can anyone provide volumetric measurements? I do not have a kitchen scale.
I will look into it. x
Oh, how simple are those!! And they look so good. Love that you put a scientific spin on your recipe!
Thank you. x
these look and sound so delicious and easy to make! I’ll for sure try them out.yum
They were very yummy!
Hmm wounder if I can make these dairy free using coconut milk? Think I will try they look good.
Nancy
These will be prefect gifts for the neighbors! Is icing sugar the same as powdered sugar?
Yes as far as I know it’s powdered sugar – super fine was what my sister-in-law called it as well
Can someone provide customary measurements
I’m looking into it, sorry.
Ohhhh these bring back memories of my childhood – will have to try them with J and T this year for some gifts for friends
They were so easy !
These look great x
Thanks lovely. x
What a fun way to learn about science afterschool this holiday break and share with friends. Can’t wait to make them with my daugthers and her friends!
They are very yummy!
that is so weird. I was just thinking about making some peppermint creams. It must be the season
It sure is 🙂
I used to make these as a child, thanks for the reminder!
🙂
Thanks for the ingredients on how to make this. Looks like something fun to make.
Please….regular measurements for us slow Americans?!
I believe the measurements are 8 oz. confectioner’s sugar, 4 oz. condensed milk, and 2 oz. of melted chocolate. I’m not fond of mint, but my kids are. I can’t wait to make these with them.
Fantastic, thank you. x
Thanks for letting me know. How did they taste?