If you’re dreaming of a melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat, then you absolutely have to try this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe. These little gems boast a creamy, buttery texture with a refreshing peppermint zing, wrapped up in festive colors that bring instant joy. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe captures the nostalgic charm of traditional butter mints with a softness that feels like a chewy holiday hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor, making it easy to create a candy that tastes as good as it looks.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened for that rich, creamy base that makes the mints melt on your tongue.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Provides sweetness and the fine texture crucial for smoothness.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons, plus more if needed): Adds moisture and helps bring the dough together with a velvety finish.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): The signature flavor that gives these mints their cool, refreshing kick.
- Food coloring: Choose red, green, or any hue you like to brighten up your holiday trays and make each bite look as joyful as it tastes.
- Granulated sugar (optional): For rolling, adding a slight crunch and extra sparkle to your mints.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key because a fluffy butter base ensures your mints will have that luscious, tender bite.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent a cloud of sugar dust and ensures the sugar blends seamlessly into the butter, creating a smooth foundation for your mint dough.
Step 3: Mix in Cream and Extract
Pour in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, then mix gently until the dough is smooth and pliable. If the mixture feels too dry, just add a little more cream—this part is all about achieving that perfect buttery softness.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide your dough into portions and knead your chosen food coloring into each one thoroughly. This step is where you can get really creative and personalize your mints with classic holiday shades or any color you love.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Roll your colored dough into small balls or logs, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. This hands-on approach makes the candies feel homemade and gives you that charming, rustic look.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar (Optional)
If you like a little extra texture and sparkle, roll your mints in granulated sugar. It’s optional but adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 7: Dry the Mints
Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet and let them air-dry for 1 to 2 hours. This step is important for setting the outside so they don’t stick together, while keeping the inside soft and dreamy.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your soft Christmas peppermint mints by sprinkling crushed candy canes or finely chopped nuts on top before drying. These little touches boost both flavor and presentation, turning simple candies into gourmet treats.
Side Dishes
These mints are perfect to serve alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a festive glass of eggnog. Their refreshing peppermint flavor adds a lively contrast to creamy, rich beverages and desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons as charming gifts, or arrange them in holiday-themed candy dishes for a merry centerpiece. You can also stack them in small mason jars for a rustic, homemade gift look that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their perfect chewiness for up to two weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for party prep or gift-giving throughout the season.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these buttery mints longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, they retain their soft texture and fresh peppermint flavor beautifully.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these mints. Simply bring frozen or refrigerated mints to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft texture. They’re perfect just as they are, tender and chewy with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter for this recipe to control the sweetness and keep the peppermint flavor bright. Salted butter could throw off the balance and make the mints taste a little salty.
How do I prevent the mints from sticking together?
Letting the mints air-dry for one to two hours is essential to set their surface and prevent sticking. Rolling them in granulated sugar also helps create a slight barrier that keeps them separate.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional and festive, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even lemon extracts for a unique twist on this old-fashioned recipe.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pliable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a splash more heavy cream to soften it up.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids will love shaping and coloring the dough, making this a fun, interactive holiday activity that results in a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Making the Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is like creating a little bit of holiday magic in your kitchen. The blend of nostalgic flavors, soft texture, and festive colors make these candies irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these sweet moments with your loved ones. Believe me, once you taste these peppermint delights, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations too!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are classic old-fashioned butter mints that are creamy, colorful, and perfect for festive holiday gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these melt-in-your-mouth candies are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite holiday colors.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional
- Food coloring (red, green, or any preferred color)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy to create a smooth base for the mints.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, until the ingredients are well combined into a thick dough.
- Mix in Cream and Extract: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the mixture, stirring until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more heavy cream until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into separate portions and knead in the food coloring evenly to create festive colored mints.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls or shape into logs, then slice into bite-sized pieces suitable for serving.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional): For extra sweetness and a bit of crunch, roll the shaped mints in granulated sugar.
- Dry the Mints: Arrange the mints on a baking sheet and let them air-dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to set and develop a slight dry outer surface.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth dough.
- Adjust cream quantity gradually to get the perfect pliable texture without making the dough too sticky.
- Food coloring is optional and can be mixed to create unique festive colors.
- Rolling in granulated sugar is optional but adds a nice texture and extra sweetness.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
- These mints are best served at room temperature.
