Today's science advent calendar activity is making Christmas Peppermint Creams! These are very simple to make and are a lovely gift for family and friends.
I'm using these to demonstrate changes of state as the chocolate melts and sets again.
How to make Peppermint Creams
Ingredients
350g Icing Sugar
One tablespoon condensed milk
A few drops of 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 three hours to harden, and then coat with the melted chocolate.
This experiment is a great way to demonstrate the process of changing states from solid to liquid and then 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, an example of melting.
When the chocolate changes from a liquid into a solid, it is an example of cooling/freezing.
This happens because when you provide heat, the particles that make up the solid have more energy, which causes them to vibrate and break the bonds holding them together. As they cool, they lose energy and form bonds again, but not in the same shape. This is why we can mould chocolate and other substances into different shapes!
My children called these toothpaste sweets!
Check out my ULTIMATE list of Christmas science experiments for more Christmas science ideas!
Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
maggy, red ted art says
Oooh these look yummy and so festive!! Wonderful.
Maggy
maggy, red ted art says
PS Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Eddie - The Usual Mayhem says
I think I know what our "science project" for this weekend is going to be! Thanks for sharing!
ScienceSparks says
I'm glad you like it 🙂
Sophie says
I can't wait to create these with my daughter? Can anyone provide volumetric measurements? I do not have a kitchen scale.
ScienceSparks says
I will look into it. x
jackie says
Oh, how simple are those!! And they look so good. Love that you put a scientific spin on your recipe!
ScienceSparks says
Thank you. x
peggy says
these look and sound so delicious and easy to make! I'll for sure try them out.yum
ScienceSparks says
They were very yummy!
Nancy says
Hmm wounder if I can make these dairy free using coconut milk? Think I will try they look good.
Nancy
Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan says
These will be prefect gifts for the neighbors! Is icing sugar the same as powdered sugar?
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says
Yes as far as I know it's powdered sugar - super fine was what my sister-in-law called it as well
gretchen says
Can someone provide customary measurements
ScienceSparks says
I'm looking into it, sorry.
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says
Ohhhh these bring back memories of my childhood - will have to try them with J and T this year for some gifts for friends
ScienceSparks says
They were so easy !
Susan Mann says
These look great x
ScienceSparks says
Thanks lovely. x
Kim @ The Educators' Spin On It says
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!
ScienceSparks says
They are very yummy!
The Monko says
that is so weird. I was just thinking about making some peppermint creams. It must be the season
ScienceSparks says
It sure is 🙂
Coombemill - Fiona says
I used to make these as a child, thanks for the reminder!
ScienceSparks says
🙂
Lauren says
Thanks for the ingredients on how to make this. Looks like something fun to make.
Beth Armstrong Leahy says
Please....regular measurements for us slow Americans?!
Meg says
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.
ScienceSparks says
Fantastic, thank you. x
ScienceSparks says
Thanks for letting me know. How did they taste?