Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Introduction
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat. With their creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they make a perfect festive candy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes fluffy.
- Step 2: Slowly add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue beating until the dough becomes firm and smooth.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two parts. Leave ¾ of the dough white, and color the remaining ¼ with red gel food coloring.
- Step 4: Roll out small portions of each dough color into ropes and twist them together.
- Step 5: Pinch off small sections from the twisted ropes to form individual mints.
- Step 6: Let the mints air dry for 1-2 hours, then cut them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Step 7: Allow the mints to dry for 24 hours before storing or serving, so they set properly.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the extract slightly, but add gradually to avoid overpowering the mints.
- You can experiment with different food coloring to create festive colors beyond the traditional red and white.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Storage
Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in a cool, dry place helps maintain their texture. No reheating is needed—these mints are best enjoyed fresh and firm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon to create different taste variations.
How long should I let the mints dry before serving?
Allow the mints to air dry for at least 24 hours so they firm up nicely. This ensures the soft but stable texture characteristic of butter mints.
PrintSoft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a festive and creamy holiday treat with a delicate peppermint flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these candies are beautifully twisted with red and white colors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes active + 24 hours drying
- Yield: Approximately 50–60 mints 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a smooth texture for the mints.
- Add the Rest: Gradually mix in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue beating until the mixture forms a firm and smooth dough, suitable for shaping.
- Divide and Color: Separate the dough into two portions. Keep three-quarters of the dough plain white, and add red gel food coloring to the remaining one-quarter portion, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll and Twist: Roll out small sections of each colored dough into ropes of equal thickness. Twist the red and white ropes together to create a traditional peppermint swirl effect. Pinch off small pieces from the twisted ropes to form individual mints.
- Dry and Set: Place the formed mints on a flat surface and let them air dry for 1 to 2 hours to firm up slightly. Then, cut or pinch the mints into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Allow them to dry fully at room temperature for about 24 hours to set and develop their soft, buttery texture.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract quantity to suit personal taste preferences; a little goes a long way.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Drying time is important for the mints to set properly; avoid storing them until fully dried.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.
Keywords: Christmas mints, butter mints, peppermint candy, old-fashioned candy, holiday treats, no-bake mints
