13 Best Substitutes for Peppermint Extract in Baking Cookies

Peppermint extract is derived from peppermint leaves and lends a minty taste and cooling impact to baked products, sweets, and drinks. Peppermint extract may be prepared in two ways: by diluting essential oils with alcohol or by steeping and filtering the leaves in alcohol.

Peppermint extract is readily accessible in supermarkets and is available in three forms: natural, imitation, and artificial. Peppermint oil, alcohol, and water are the only three components in natural peppermint extract.

In contrast, imitation and fake peppermint extracts include artificial tastes and may or may not contain peppermint.

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a pungent mint plant related to watermint and spearmint. It is prevalent in Asia and Europe, and it has long been utilized for not just taste, but also for the myriad health advantages it gives.

Peppermint is a pungent mint plant related to watermint and spearmint.

Peppermint has a distinct sweet scent as well as a pleasant, refreshing taste. It is used in toothpaste, sweets, and other items in addition to being a culinary herb.

Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is well-known for its many health advantages. Because it relaxes the stomach muscles and increases the flow of the digestive system, it helps reduce indigestion and bloating. Peppermint, according to study, may also aid with headache symptoms and migraines.

Peppermint is well-known for its many health advantages.

Because of its antimicrobial effects and relaxing aroma, peppermint is a popular flavour in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and chewing gums.

Peppermint steam may also assist to clear sinuses due to its major chemical component, menthol. When suffering from a cold, it is considered a decongestant that assists in breathing.

13 Best Substitute For Peppermint Extract 

Many dishes benefit from the inclusion of peppermint extract, notably sweets and drinks. But what if you don’t have any peppermint extract on hand or at your local grocery store?

Worry no more, since here is the greatest peppermint extract alternative you can use in your recipes to achieve that refreshing mint taste!

Peppermint Oil

The most popular replacement for peppermint extract is peppermint oil. It’s commonly accessible at health food stores and supermarket stores. Keep in mind that for safe consumption, you should only buy organic and chemical-free items.

This should be used with care since it is very concentrated and may not provide the correct flavor if more drops are used. It has a distinct aroma and taste. Begin with a few drops and gradually increase the quantity until the desired flavor is achieved.

Although peppermint oil has been shown to help with irritable bowel syndrome, excessive use might produce nausea and heartburn. 1 part peppermint oil should ideally be replaced for 4 parts peppermint extract.

Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are an excellent replacement since they are readily accessible and reasonably priced. Mint leaves, on the other hand, contain less menthol.

This may not have as strong a taste as peppermint extract. It may be diced and blended into recipes, and it works great in desserts and other foods.

Mint leaves are abundant in Vitamin A as well.

Peppermint Syrup

Another common replacement for peppermint extract is peppermint syrup. It is created with peppermint leaves, sugar, and water and has a somewhat thick texture. It’s popular in baking and beverages like hot cocoa and warm mocha drinks.

Because it preserves the cooling taste and sweetness of peppermint extract, it might be an effective alternative. Use caution when using peppermint syrup, since too much might make your food excessively sweet.

Herbal Mint Tea

In addition to mint leaves, herbal mint tea is a suitable option for peppermint extract. It is one of the most readily accessible replacements, being available in practically any grocery shop near you.

You may use this in any meal you choose by beginning with a tiny quantity and progressively increasing it until the desired flavour is achieved.

Peppermint Schnapps

In drinks and certain pastries, peppermint schnapps may be substituted for peppermint essence. Peppermint schnapps is a beverage prepared from peppermint leaves and pure grain alcohol. It is available in green and colorless versions.

However, since it includes alcohol, it should be used with care and may not be suited for youngsters or people with allergies. It has a softer taste and scent than peppermint extract.

Use three tablespoons of peppermint schnapps instead of one teaspoon of peppermint essence.

Basil

Basil leaves may also be used for peppermint essence. It is a member of the mint family with a powerful scent but a somewhat different flavor than peppermint.

If you want a sweet touch of peppermint and savory taste in your food or drinks, it is a wonderful substitution; however, if you want to tone down its flavor, just dilute it.

Basil has a rich taste and various types, the most close to the flavor and scent of peppermint being Thai basil.

Spearmint Extract

Spearmint is related to peppermint but has less menthol taste. Because spearmint has just 1% menthol, it has a softer taste than peppermint, which includes 40% menthol. Carvone, a chemical that gives it a strong taste, gives it its flavor.

This is an excellent replacement for hot liquids like tea, but if you don’t like the toothpaste taste, you should look into other possibilities.

Spearmint is also recognized for its health advantages owing to its high antioxidant content, which helps to fight illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Watermint extract

As previously indicated, peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. The quantity of methanol in it influences how cool it is. Watermint has a high methanol content, which gives it a more chilling effect.

Menthol content in peppermint is 40%, whereas watermint is 48%. As a consequence, you can only use it as a replacement for peppermint extract if you dilute it adequately to minimize the strength of the taste or add a few leaves to your dishes.

Mint Candy

Another widely accessible replacement for peppermint essence is crushed mint candy. This product is high in sugar and preservatives.

This is good for sweets and drinks, but it may not work in other savory meals and is not a viable substitution for consumers looking for a sugar-free and healthier option.

By simply crushing it into a fine powder, it may be used as a replacement. Because it is widely accessible, it is a less priced and easier-to-find replacement for peppermint extract.

Creme De Menthe

Creme de menthe, or mint cream in French, may also be substituted for peppermint essence. It is a strong mint liquor prepared from mint leaves and grain alcohol that is often used to flavor drinks.

It is a sweeter replacement than the others mentioned here due to its simple syrup foundation, making it perfect for sweets and drinks. 1 teaspoon peppermint extract should be replaced with 2 to 3 teaspoons crème de menthe.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is a popular taste that virtually everyone like, and it is used in a range of cuisines and baked items. It tastes like delicious caramel and smells like peppermint.

Worry no more, since vanilla extract will not let you down with its diverse sweetness and just the appropriate amount of bitterness.

Rosemary

Rosemary is related to peppermint but has an entirely distinct taste. It is best to explore alternative possibilities before deciding on this one.

Homemade Peppermint Extract

This is the finest alternative for easily available peppermint extract since you may choose and change the strength of the peppermint extract to your liking. This, however, will take a long time, probably weeks, to yield effective effects.

You’ll need peppermint leaves and grain-proof alcohol for this, although vodka will work if you don’t have either. To eliminate excess moisture, wash and dry the peppermint leaves in the sun. When you’re done, chop them into smaller pieces and put them in a jar. To finish, pour in the alcohol.

Depending on how strong you want the taste to be, replace the mint leaves every 3 to 4 weeks. You won’t have to worry about running out of peppermint extract if your local grocery shop or market runs out, and you’ll be able to keep making tasty foods and drinks.

Peppermint Extract Substitute Related FAQs

What is the difference between peppermint oil and peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil has a stronger taste than peppermint extract and is a more intense choice that, if applied wrongly, may not be appropriate. Instead of 4 teaspoons of peppermint extract, use 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil.

Is vanilla extract a good substitute for peppermint extract?

If you don’t need a strong mint taste in your recipe, baked products, or drinks, vanilla extract is a wonderful replacement. Vanilla extract has a mild taste, however peppermint extract has a strong mint flavor that will be missed if vanilla extract is substituted.

How is peppermint different from mint?

Mint is the common name for numerous kinds of plants in the Mentha family, one of which being peppermint.

Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Peppermint has the strongest taste of all mint kinds due to its high methanol content.

Because of their strong taste, peppermint leaves are seldom used directly in recipes. [www.pediaa.com]

Is peppermint schnapps a suitable replacement for peppermint extract?

Yes, peppermint schnapps may be an acceptable substitute for peppermint extract, particularly in drinks. 3 to 4 tablespoons peppermint schnapps may be substituted for 1 teaspoon peppermint essence.

What exactly is the distinction between peppermint schnapps and creme de menthe?

Peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe are the most prevalent mint-flavored liqueurs. They are all created the same manner.

Peppermint schnapps, on the other hand, has a stronger taste, is less sweet, and contains more alcohol than crème de menthe. Creme de menthe, on the other hand, is sometimes misidentified as creamy owing to its name, however the word creme simply refers to the thickness caused by the quantity of sugar in it.

It should be combined with other drinks rather than consumed on its own.

References

peppermint-teanutritionwww.healthline.comPeppermint Tea and Extracts Have 12 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits. obtained from https:

265214articleswww.medicalnewstoday.comPeppermint benefits, uses, forms, and warnings. obtained from https: