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
Scale
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.
