The One Aldi Holiday Item I Never Skip (It's My Favorite)

We all have our annual rituals once the holidays come. Here are my top three:

1. Decorating the tree while playing Johnny Mathis’ classic 1958 album Merry Christmas
2. Setting up our advent calendar with tiny toy “ornaments” and hanging one per day on the calendar’s felt tree
3. Checking out Aldi’s abundance of festive seasonal products

Okay, that last one is an exaggeration, but it is true that my favorite time to shop at Aldi is when they roll out the holiday goodies. They always stock lots of German baked goods, lending as close to a Christkindlmarkt vibe as it comes in Ohio.

And there’s one item in particular I watch the shelves for. It’s become my favorite store bought holiday treat, one I love sharing as much as hogging all for myself.

Why I Love Aldi’s Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes

Part confection, part cookie, all the holiday feels: Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes deliver everything I want in a sweet bite once “Winter Wonderland” plays nearly nonstop everywhere–except Aldi, which doesn’t have music. So you must cue your own carols at home. 

These cookies are delightful because they deliver a perfectly balanced medley of textures. There’s the crispy-creamy sandwich cookie, the melty “fudge” (which is more like chocolate than fudge in my book), and the crunchy scattering of peppermint candy shards. Imagine a Thin Mint that went to the gym.

When it comes to cookies—any cookies—usually I don’t eat one. I eat three or five. But Benton’s Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes? Each cookie is like a petite candy bar. They’re intense enough that one cookie can totally satisfy a craving, making a box last quite a while if you’re the only one nipping from it. 

While my family traditionally bakes Christmas cookies at home, over the years we’ve pared back. A few of these chocolate-covered cookies nicely round out a cookie tray without the need to make an extra recipe.

My mom’s the one who turned me on to Fudge Covered Peppermint Cremes. She hides them from my dad, who is undiscriminating in his cookie scarfing. If it’s a cookie, he’ll eat it, so theoretically a cookie as exquisite as these is wasted on him. 

I’ve never given boxes as gifts, but it’s a great idea for the right recipient. There’s a Reddit thread where devotees rhapsodize; one poster said she freezes hers. I’ve not tried, but you can bet I’m gonna.  

Trader Joe’s has a strikingly similar version called Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe’s. They’re not completely identical, but it’s a moot point if, like me, you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby. A couple did a taste test on YouTube if you’re curious how they stack up.

A footnote: Why does Aldi not play music in their stores? To save on licensing fees, helping make these cookies sort of a steal at $4.29 for 10. Imagine buying 10 truffles or 10 miniature chocolate oranges for $4.29!