Valentine's Day Chocolate Heart Mints Project

By Bob Sherman

This article explains how to make heart shaped chocolate mints and includes some packaging suggestions for Valentine's Day gifts. Although very easy to make and not overly fancy, mints are a popular treat with chocolate lovers. Note that the same technique may be applied to any suitably sized mold to make mints for any occasion or non occasion use.

Many of the items you may need can be ordered directly from this page for your convenience.

PLEASE NOTE!! - Although chocolate making is relatively safe for the entire family to participate, adult supervision is required.

Chocolate
I prefer to use chocolate wafers designed for home molding chocolate as they do not require tempering. My preferred brand is Merckens which works well with all chocolate molding projects, is available in a wide selection of colors, and tastes great.

Peppermint Flavor
It is vital to use a chocolate safe Peppermint oil for these. Do not use extracts commonly sold for baking as they normally contain water which will seize the chocolate.

Melting Chocolate
Either melting method may be used, but I find the double boiler works best for this.

Double Boiler - See Double Boiler Usage Instructions.

A microwave may also be used but care must be taken not to overheat the chocolate.

1. Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Heat for 30 seconds.
3. Remove and stir.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the chocolate is creamy.
5. Optimum usage temperature is about 90 degrees F. Do not place the thermometer in the microwave!

Chocolate Making Supplies And Materials

The following chocolate making supplies and other materials were used to make this project. Clicking on the item name will bring you to that item's page with a full description and ordering information.

• Valentine Hearts Chocolate Mold - Or any mold approximately 1 1/2" diameter x 1/4" thick.
• Peppermint Flavor Oil
• Chocolate Coating - Dark chocolate was used here.
• Double Boiler
• Thermometer
• Cotton Gloves - Optional, however use of cotton gloves when handling chocolates will reduce fingerprinting by isolating some of your body heat

Packaging Materials

The following links are to the packaging supplies used in illustrating this article. All are optional, but will provide a means to turn the loose chocolates into a nice gift. Clicking on the item name will bring you to that item's page with a full description and ordering information.

• Red 3 x 3 Wrapping Foil
• White 3 x 3 Wrapping Foil
• Hearts 3 x 3 Wrapping Foil
• Heart Cello Bags
• Hearts Twist Tie - Alternately use Red or White
• Red Spring Fill
• Embed Box
• Favor Box
• Bow Stretch Loops

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1
The chocolate mold is used without modification, just make sure it is clean and dry.

Step 2
Melt the chocolate fully before adding the flavor oil.

Step 3
Typical usage is 1/2 teaspoon of flavor oil per pound of chocolate. Add more or less to suit your taste. Stir well.

Step 4
Fill the mold cavities, rap to level them and dislodge trapped air, then allow the chocolate to harden before continuing.

Step 5
Place in your freezer just long enough to de mold easily - approximately 7 minutes. Allow them to return to room temperature before handling.

Packaging

Foil Wrapping
Regardless of the packaging method used, my personal preference is to foil wrap chocolates as it adds visual interest with color and prevents the chocolates from rubbing against each other which causes scuff marks. Using an assortment of foil colors will add additional visual interest.

Embed Box
The packaging shown here is our CMBO52 Clear Embed Box with some red basket fill on the bottom and a 8 inch bow stretch loop.

Favor Box
The packaging shown here is our CMBO8 Clear Favor Box with some red basket fill on the bottom and a 6 inch bow stretch loop. The area surrounding the mints was filled with heart candies that have the sayings on them.

Bagged
This shows our CL11410025 Hearts Cello Bag with a Hearts Twist Tie. Note the use of basket fill on the bottom - this makes this seem much more substantial than the pound of chocolate mints alone would appear.

Support Free Projects
You can help ensure the continued availability and production of free chocolate projects by telling your friends about them. The more popular they are the more we can produce so tell your friends, mention them on message boards, link to them from your web site, etc... More information is available here.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common chocolate making practices as of the time of this writing - January 2009. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

This article is provided free of charge for use. Products may be made and sold using this idea royalty free.

Web sites may use links to this page without restriction.

No portion of this article may be reproduced for publication elsewhere without express permission from Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc. with the following exceptions:

• Non profit organizations such as religious groups, scouts, 4h, etc... may use this information without permission for printed materials provided it is used without modification and credit is given to both the author and onestopcandle.com
• Reprinting to the web is prohibited without permission, however web sites wishing to link to this article may do so without permission.
• Those wishing to print a copy for themselves (personal use) may do so without permission

All other requests need to be submitted via our reprint request form.

Home > Chocolate Making Supplies > Chocolate Making Projects > Valentine's Day Chocolate Projects > Chocolate Heart Mints Project

CONTACT US
TECH SUPPORT
NEWSLETTER
FAQ
FORUM
BLOG

This site is best when viewed in 1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution in a web standards compliant browser.