Chocolate Christmas Mice Treats
Delightful and whimsical Chocolate Christmas Mice Treats are an enchanting addition to your holiday cookie platter. Inspired by traditional peanut butter mice cookies, these charming confections feature a rich, chocolatey base made from semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate wafer crumbs. Perfectly formed into cute mouse shapes, each one is adorned with adorable red nonpareils for eyes, slice almonds for ears, and licorice strings for tails. These treats are not just a feast for the eyes but also deliver a unique combination of flavors that will surely be a hit at any festive gathering. Easy to prepare, they're perfect for baking with kids or surprising your guests this holiday season!
9
Servings
175
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup (Place in microwave-safe bowl.)
Chocolate wafer crumbs
2 cups, divided (Crush about 40 chocolate wafers to make crumbs.)
Sour cream
1/3 cup (None)
Red nonpareils
36 (None)
Sliced almonds
1/4 cup (None)
Black licorice strings
18 pieces (2 inches each) (None)
Instructions
1
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is almost fully melted. Stir until smooth.
2
Add 1 cup of the chocolate wafer crumbs and the sour cream to the melted chocolate. Mix thoroughly until fully integrated.
3
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until it’s cool enough to handle easily.
4
Once cooled, take about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate mixture and roll it into a ball, tapering one end to create a teardrop shape for the body of the mouse.
5
Gently roll the formed chocolate shape in the remaining wafer crumbs until fully coated.
6
To decorate, use the red nonpareils for the eyes, place almond slices on top for the ears, and attach a piece of black licorice string on the opposite end for the tail.
7
Serve them on a festive tray and enjoy the smiles they bring!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2g
Protein
7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chocolate Christmas Mice Treats?
Chocolate Christmas Mice Treats are whimsical, no-bake holiday treats made from a chocolate and wafer crumb base, shaped into mice and decorated with almonds and licorice.
What kind of chocolate should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips to provide a rich and balanced chocolate flavor.
What are the mouse ears made of?
The ears are created using sliced almonds, which are pressed into the top of the chocolate teardrop shape.
What is used to make the tails for the mice?
The tails are made from black licorice strings, cut into approximately 2-inch pieces.
How do I form the mouse shape?
Take about 1 tablespoon of the chilled chocolate mixture and roll it into a ball, then taper one end to create a teardrop shape for the mouse's body.
How long does the chocolate mixture need to refrigerate?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for about 1 hour, or until it is cool enough to handle easily.
What can I use as a substitute for chocolate wafer crumbs?
You can use crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the filling removed or graham cracker crumbs mixed with cocoa powder.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is very child-friendly as it involves no-bake steps and fun decorating that kids enjoy.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips, though the flavor and color of the mice will be different.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving of these treats.
What is the total yield of this recipe?
The recipe yields 18 mice, based on the quantity of eyes and tails specified.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe provides 9 servings, which is typically 2 mice per serving.
Can these treats be made in advance?
Yes, these mice can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to store Chocolate Christmas Mice?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness.
Can I freeze these chocolate treats?
Yes, they can be frozen, though the texture of the almond ears might change slightly upon thawing.
What are the eyes of the mice made from?
The eyes are made using small red nonpareils.
Why does the recipe include sour cream?
Sour cream is mixed with the melted chocolate to create a smooth, truffle-like consistency that is easy to shape.
What can I use if I don't have licorice for the tails?
You can substitute licorice with thin strips of fruit leather, pull-apart candy, or even piped melted chocolate.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, milk chocolate chips work well if you prefer a sweeter and creamier treat.
Do these mice require any baking?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires melting chocolate and chilling.
How many chocolate wafers do I need to crush for the crumbs?
You will need approximately 40 chocolate wafers to make the 2 cups of crumbs required for the recipe.
Can I use a different type of nut for the ears?
Yes, you can use other flat nuts or seeds, but sliced almonds provide the most traditional mouse-ear look.
What power setting should I use to melt the chocolate?
Use medium power in 30-second intervals to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly without burning.
How many red nonpareils are needed in total?
You will need 36 red nonpareils to provide two eyes for each of the 18 mice.
What is the texture of the Chocolate Christmas Mice?
They have a rich, soft, truffle-like interior with a slightly crunchy exterior from the wafer crumbs.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though it may add a slight tang to the flavor.
How long should each licorice tail be?
Each licorice string should be cut into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Can I add extra flavorings like peppermint extract?
Yes, a small amount of peppermint or vanilla extract can be stirred into the melted chocolate for added holiday flavor.
Are these treats suitable for a holiday cookie platter?
Absolutely, their adorable appearance makes them a standout addition to any festive dessert display.
What should I do if the chocolate mixture is too soft to roll?
If the mixture is too soft, return it to the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes until it firms up enough to hold its shape.