Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that brings back warm memories, these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are just what you need! I remember making these with my family every year, and the smell of peppermint would fill the kitchen, instantly putting everyone in the festive mood. They’re not only a joy to make but also a sweet gift for friends and family during the holidays. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these mints will surely bring smiles all around.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth mints that everybody loves. They are perfect for snacking on while watching holiday movies or for adding to your festive cookie trays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time with just 10 minutes of prep.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves soft mints; they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and store them for whenever you need a sweet treat.
• Customizable Colors: Add a festive touch with red food coloring or keep them classic white!
• Perfect for Gifting: These mints make lovely gifts in cute packaging—who wouldn’t appreciate homemade treats?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is straightforward thanks to simple and wholesome ingredients. You likely already have most of them at home! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mints

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Soft Christmas Peppermints:

• Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Change Up the Color: Use green food coloring for a different holiday vibe or mix colors for fun designs!
• Make It Chocolatey: Dip half of each mint in melted dairy-free chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Roll Them in Crushed Candy Canes: For an added crunch and festive flair, coat your mints in crushed candy canes.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Mix the Base

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is crucial because it creates that smooth, creamy texture that makes these mints so delightful. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mixing slowly at first prevents the sugar from flying everywhere! Once incorporated, increase the speed until everything comes together into a soft dough. This dough is what makes your mints melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Step 3: Color Your Mints

If you’d like to add some color to your mints, now’s the time! Divide your dough into two portions if you want two colors. Add a few drops of red food coloring into one portion and knead it until evenly colored. This step adds such a fun touch to your holiday treats!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Now comes the fun part—shaping! Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll them into balls about one inch in diameter. If you prefer, flatten them slightly with your fingers for more traditional shapes. Once shaped, roll each mint in granulated sugar. This not only helps prevent sticking but also gives them that beautiful sugary finish.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy!

Place your mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps them firm up nicely so they hold their shape. After they set, they’re ready to enjoy or share as delightful holiday gifts!

With this simple recipe, you’ll have Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) that everyone will adore. Happy candy-making!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Every batch of these delightful mints can be a little different, but with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure that yours are perfect every time!

• Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture that is key to melt-in-your-mouth mints.
• Sift your powdered sugar – Sifting helps eliminate lumps, ensuring your mints have a silky finish and are easier to mix into the dough.
• Adjust mint flavor to taste – Feel free to start with less peppermint extract and gradually add more until you achieve your desired mint intensity. Everyone’s taste buds are different!
• Chill the mixture before shaping – If you find the dough too soft to handle, refrigerating it for 15-20 minutes makes it easier to shape into perfect little mints without sticking to your hands.
• Coat in granulated sugar for extra sweetness – Rolling your mints in granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives them a lovely finish that enhances their festive appearance.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints make for an irresistible treat that can be presented in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply spreading cheer, here are some fun ideas to serve your mints.

Garnishes

• Candy canes: Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top or used as decorative picks add a festive touch and enhance the minty flavor.
• Mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves can be used as a garnish on serving platters, giving your display a fresh and vibrant look while complementing the peppermint flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these mints. The rich chocolate complements the refreshing mint flavor beautifully.
• Fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the mints.
• Cheese board: A variety of cheeses—especially creamy ones—creates a delightful contrast to the sweet mints and offers guests an array of flavors to enjoy.
• Gingerbread cookies: The spiced warmth of gingerbread cookies provides a cozy pairing with the coolness of peppermint, making them an ideal companion during holiday festivities.

Enjoy crafting and sharing these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints with friends and family this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are fantastic for meal prep, making them an ideal treat to whip up ahead of time and enjoy throughout the holiday season!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They should stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen mints to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints. Simply enjoy them as they are!
• If they become too soft due to warmth, let them sit in a cool place for a few minutes to firm up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints).

Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?

Absolutely! You can mix it up by using flavors like vanilla or almond. Just remember that each extract will give the mints a unique taste.

How do I achieve different colors for my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

You can easily customize your mints by adding red food coloring as you mix. Feel free to get creative with colors for different occasions!

Are homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used in this recipe do not contain gluten, making these mints suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are more than just candies; they’re a piece of holiday nostalgia that brings joy to any gathering. I hope you enjoy making these delightful treats as much as I do! Share them with family and friends, or keep them all for yourself—either way, they’re sure to bring smiles. Happy candy-making!