National Chocolate Mint Day (February 19)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Chocolate Mint Day, celebrated every year on February 19, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and mint.

Whether you’re a fan of classic treats like Thin Mints or looking to try new recipes, this day offers plenty of delicious possibilities.

Recognized by the National Confectioners Association, it’s a fun way to indulge your sweet tooth and celebrate one of the most popular flavor pairings.

It is just one of the many bizarre holidays in February!

When is the Holiday?

The delicious holiday is celebrated annually on February 19th. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate and mint in all its forms.

Who Invented It?

The holiday was established by the National Confectioners Association to honor the timeless pairing of chocolate and mint.

While the exact origins of the flavor combination are unclear, its popularity spans cultures and centuries.

The History of the Holiday

Chocolate and mint have been enjoyed together for centuries.

Ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans used cacao in their beverages, often adding spices to enhance the flavor.

Europeans later introduced mint and sugar, creating a more palatable treat.

The commercial production of chocolate mints gained popularity in the early 1900s, with brands like Huyler’s in New York leading the way.

The York Peppermint Patty, introduced in the 1940s, and Thin Mints, first sold in 1953, cemented chocolate mint as a favorite treat.

chocolate brownies with mint

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. The York Peppermint Patty was introduced in the 1940s and remains a popular treat today.
  2. Thin Mints are the best-selling Girl Scout cookie.
  3. Mint chocolate chip ice cream was created in 1973 by culinary student Marilyn Ricketts.
  4. There is an actual plant called mint chocolate, named for its naturally sweet flavor.
  5. Chocolate and mint were originally consumed for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece and Rome.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a chocolate mint tasting party with friends and family.
  • Try baking homemade chocolate mint cookies or brownies.
  • Experiment with making your own mint chocolate ice cream.
  • Visit a local chocolatier and discover unique mint chocolate products.
  • Watch classic movies with a cup of mint hot chocolate.
  • Share your favorite chocolate mint treats on social media.
chocolate chip smoothie with vanilla ice cream

Related Recipes for the Holiday

  1. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie – A refreshing blend of chocolate chips, mint extract, almond milk, and a touch of honey, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
  2. Andes Mint Chocolate Sugar Cookies – Soft and chewy cookies with melted Andes Mints swirled inside, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
  3. Mint Oreo Truffles – Crushed mint Oreos mixed with cream cheese, dipped in rich chocolate, and topped with a drizzle of white chocolate.
  4. Grasshopper Pie Ice Cream – A creamy, boozy treat featuring crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and chocolate chips folded into a rich ice cream base.
  5. Classic Grasshopper Drink – A retro mint-chocolate cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream, shaken to perfection.
  6. Mint Chip Edible Cookie Dough – A safe-to-eat cookie dough packed with chocolate chips and fresh mint flavor, perfect for snacking.
  7. Mint Chocolate Oreo Fudge – A five-ingredient fudge recipe that combines the crunch of Oreo cookies with the smoothness of mint-flavored chocolate.
  8. No Bake Mint Chocolate Creme de Menthe Bars – Layered bars featuring a crunchy base, a creamy mint filling, and a smooth chocolate topping.
  9. Vegan Mint Chocolate Tart – A decadent dessert made with a cacao crust and layers of mint-infused dark chocolate ganache.
  10. No Bake Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – A creamy, mint-flavored cheesecake with chocolate chips and a chocolate cookie crust, requiring no oven time.

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