Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Introduction
Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat with a creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. These charming candies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
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. Beat the mixture until it forms a firm, smooth dough.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two portions. Leave three-quarters white and mix red gel food coloring into the remaining quarter.
- Step 4: Roll small amounts of each dough color into ropes, then twist them together. Pinch off small pieces to form individual mints.
- Step 5: Allow the mints to air dry uncovered for 1 to 2 hours.
- Step 6: Cut the twisted ropes into bite-sized pieces, then let the pieces dry for 24 hours to set completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few additional drops of peppermint extract to taste.
- If you prefer different colors, experiment with other food colorings instead of red.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking during the drying process.
Storage
Store the cooled and dried mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They can keep well for up to two weeks. If they soften, briefly chill them before serving. Avoid storing in humid areas to maintain their texture.
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 or almond, but peppermint is traditional for this recipe.
How do I know when the mints are fully set?
The mints are fully set when they feel firm and dry to the touch after resting for 24 hours. This ensures they hold their shape and have the soft texture characteristic of butter mints.
PrintSoft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are classic old-fashioned butter mints with a festive twist. Rich, creamy, and bursting with peppermint flavor, they feature a delightful soft texture perfect for the holiday season. The ribbons of red and white make them visually appealing and perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes active plus 24 hours drying time
- Yield: Approximately 40–50 mints depending on size 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 fluffy and light, creating the perfect base for your mints.
- Add the Rest: Gradually mix in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue beating until the dough is firm, smooth, and pliable enough to handle.
- Divide and Color: Separate the dough into two parts. Leave three-quarters of the dough white, and tint the remaining one-quarter with red gel food coloring to create the festive peppermint colors.
- Roll and Twist: Roll small portions of each colored dough into thin ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together, then pinch off small sections to form individual mints.
- Dry and Set: Let the mints air dry on a parchment-lined surface for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly. Then, cut into bite-sized pieces if needed and allow them to dry completely for 24 hours before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract to your taste preference for stronger or milder mint flavor.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid to the dough.
- For best results, store the mints in an airtight container once fully dried to maintain softness.
- If you prefer firmer mints, extend drying time beyond 24 hours.
- These mints can be made ahead and kept for several weeks when stored properly.
Keywords: Soft butter mints, Christmas peppermint candy, old-fashioned mints, holiday candy, peppermint extract candy
