Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Introduction
Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat that melts in your mouth. These creamy, minty candies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family 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 light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue beating until the mixture forms a firm and smooth dough.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two parts. Keep about three-quarters of the dough white, and add red gel food coloring to the remaining quarter to color it.
- Step 4: Roll out small portions of each colored dough into ropes. Twist the white and red ropes together, then pinch off small sections to form individual mints.
- Step 5: Allow the mints to air dry for 1 to 2 hours. After drying, cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- Step 6: Let the mints dry completely for 24 hours before serving to achieve the perfect soft texture.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the peppermint extract to your preference for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
- You can use other gel food coloring colors to match different holiday themes or occasions.
- For extra flavor, add a drop of vanilla extract along with the peppermint.
- Roll the ropes thin for more delicate mints or thicker for a chewier texture.
Storage
Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can change their texture. If needed, let refrigerated mints come to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these mints without heavy cream?
Heavy cream helps achieve the creamy, smooth dough texture. You may substitute with milk or half-and-half, but the texture might be less rich and slightly firmer.
How long do these mints take to dry completely?
The initial drying time is 1 to 2 hours before cutting, but the mints should dry for a full 24 hours to set properly and develop their soft buttery texture.
PrintSoft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat featuring a smooth, buttery texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings, these mints are visually festive with classic red and white twists and are easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 26 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40–50 mints 1x
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
Coloring
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes fluffy and light, which helps create a smooth texture for the mints.
- Add the Rest: Gradually mix in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Beat the mixture until it forms a firm, smooth dough that holds together well.
- Divide and Color: Separate the dough into two portions: keep three-quarters of it white, and color the remaining one-quarter with red gel food coloring to create an attractive peppermint look.
- Roll and Twist: Roll small portions of each colored dough into ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together to form the signature peppermint swirl. Pinch off small sections to shape individual mints.
- Dry and Set: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly. Then cut or pinch them into bite-sized pieces and allow them to dry for an additional 24 hours at room temperature so they set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the peppermint extract according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger mint flavor.
- Use gel food coloring to maintain the dough’s consistency without making it too wet.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best texture in the dough.
- Allow sufficient drying time for the mints to firm up properly and avoid stickiness.
- Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Keywords: Christmas peppermint mints, butter mints, old-fashioned mints, holiday candy, peppermint candy, no-bake peppermint mints
