Name: The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 26 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1. Butter, Softened: ½ cup butter, softened 🧈 The richness of the butter is what gives these mints their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending. 2. Powdered Sugar: 3 cups powdered sugar 🍚 Powdered sugar is the key to that smooth, creamy sweetness. It dissolves beautifully into the butter and creates the perfect dough for these mints. 3. Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream 🥛 A touch of cream adds extra richness and makes the mints even more velvety. 4. Peppermint Extract: ¼ tsp peppermint extract 🍬 This is where the magic happens. Peppermint extract brings that signature, cool mint flavor. Adjust the amount based on how minty you like your mints. 5. Red Gel Food Coloring: Red gel food coloring 🎨 For that festive, holiday look! You’ll use this to create beautiful red-and-white swirls that evoke the spirit of Christmas.

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a sweet treat that perfectly captures the whimsy and excitement of the holidays, The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints is about to become your new festive favorite. These homemade mints combine butter, cream, and peppermint for a decadent melt-in-your-mouth experience, with swirls of red and white that are as pretty as they are delicious. They’re simple to make, incredibly charming on any dessert table, and every bite brings a burst of holiday nostalgia coupled with a creamy, cool peppermint finish.

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints lies in how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and festive color, so don’t skip or substitute unless you’re ready for a whole new flavor adventure!

Butter, softened: Room temperature butter creates the rich, tender base and ensures your mints stay luxuriously soft.
Powdered sugar: This dissolves easily and is essential for the signature creamy-smooth texture with just the right touch of sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: Just a splash makes all the difference, giving your mints an extra bit of silkiness and a tender bite.
Peppermint extract: The star ingredient, bringing the cool and refreshing zing that makes these mints so irresistible. Add more or less for your ideal minty punch!
Red gel food coloring: For that eye-catching, candy-cane swirl that turns each peppermint into a little piece of edible holiday art.

How to Make The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Start your journey to peppermint bliss by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and really go for it—whip the butter until it’s light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. Introducing air at this point lays the foundation for that delicate, creamy texture The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints are known for.

Step 2: Mix in the Rest

Slowly add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter in stages. Beat the mixture after each addition until it turns into a thick, smooth dough. Don’t worry if it feels a bit stiff at first—soon it will become pliable yet firm, perfect for rolling and shaping. The right consistency is easy to handle but still fresh and soft when you squeeze it between your fingers!

Step 3: Divide and Color

Now, split the dough into two parts. Set aside about 3/4 of the dough to keep it pristine white, just like fresh snow. Take the remaining 1/4 and knead in the red gel food coloring until you get a lovely festive hue. The more coloring you use, the bolder your holiday swirls—so have fun choosing your perfect shade of Christmas red!

Step 4: Roll and Twist

You’re about to create that iconic look! Roll both colors of dough into thin ropes. Press a red and a white rope side by side, then gently twist and spiral them together. Quickly, you’ll see those classic candy cane swirls emerge. Snip into small, bite-sized pieces and shape as desired, making each mint truly one-of-a-kind. Kids (or kids at heart) will have a blast with this step!

Step 5: Dry and Set

Arrange your twisted mints on a parchment-lined surface. Let them air dry for 1-2 hours for an initial firmer edge, then cut each length into smaller morsels. For the signature texture of The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints, allow your creations to finish drying for 24 hours. This ensures a just-set exterior and a dreamy, creamy middle that will have everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

Dress up your platter by sprinkling your serving dish with powdered sugar “snow,” or nestle your mints in shiny cupcake liners for an extra festive touch. Crushed peppermint candy, edible glitter, or bits of sparkling sugar add visual flair and even more holiday magic!

Side Dishes

Pair The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints with mugs of hot cocoa, a rich espresso, or even a warming holiday tea. Their cool, creamy profile is just the thing after a rich winter meal and pairs well with cakes, cookies, and fruit for a delightful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Packaging up these mints in a glass jar with a ribbon or a decorative tin makes a fantastic homemade holiday gift. Arrange them on a holiday cookie tray or pile high in vintage candy bowls for a touch of classic Christmas charm. You can even personalize each batch with different patterns or let guests twist their own as a fun holiday activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your house is on the warmer side, keep them slightly cooler to preserve their shape without losing that creamy bite.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these mints! Place them in single layers separated by wax paper in a well-sealed container. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for another taste of holiday magic.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—these are best enjoyed at room temperature! If your mints have been stored in a chilly spot, simply let them sit out for a few minutes to regain their perfect creamy texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor extract instead of peppermint?

Yes! While peppermint is classic, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even orange extract to create your own signature twist. Just keep in mind the flavor should complement the holiday spirit and the creamy base.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?

If the dough feels too sticky when rolling, dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar or chill the dough for a few minutes. This helps keep things tidy and makes shaping the mints a breeze.

Can kids help with making The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Absolutely! The rolling, twisting, and shaping are all hands-on and perfect for little helpers. Just supervise with the food coloring and mixer for safety. Making these mints together is a wonderful holiday tradition.

What’s the best way to get vibrant red swirls?

Use a high-quality gel food coloring and add it little by little to reach your desired shade. Gel coloring provides intense color without watering down the dough, resulting in those beautiful, festive swirls synonymous with The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Why do the mints need to dry for so long?

Drying ensures the perfect texture: slightly firm on the outside, silky and soft on the inside. Giving them a full 24 hours to set is the secret to what makes The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints truly magical!

Final Thoughts

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints is everything that’s wonderful about holiday baking: simple, nostalgic, and downright delightful! Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or to share as homemade gifts, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles. I hope you give them a try and let them fill your home with sweet, minty magic all season long.

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Indulge in the magic of soft Christmas peppermints with this delightful recipe that combines the richness of butter, creamy sweetness of powdered sugar, and the cool minty flavor of peppermint extract. These festive treats are perfect for the holiday season!

Author: Bennett
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 day 2 hours
Yield: About 36 mints
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Shaping
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. Butter, Softened:

½ cup butter, softened 🧈

The richness of the butter is what gives these mints their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending.

2. Powdered Sugar:

3 cups powdered sugar 🍚

Powdered sugar is the key to that smooth, creamy sweetness. It dissolves beautifully into the butter and creates the perfect dough for these mints.

3. Heavy Whipping Cream:

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream 🥛

A touch of cream adds extra richness and makes the mints even more velvety.

4. Peppermint Extract:

¼ tsp peppermint extract 🍬

This is where the magic happens. Peppermint extract brings that signature, cool mint flavor. Adjust the amount based on how minty you like your mints.

5. Red Gel Food Coloring:

Red gel food coloring 🎨

For that festive, holiday look! You’ll use this to create beautiful red-and-white swirls that evoke the spirit of Christmas.

Instructions

Beat the Butter: Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the butter until it becomes light and fluffy. The air you incorporate during this step will give the mints their delicate, creamy texture.
Mix in the Rest: Gradually add in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue beating the mixture until the dough becomes firm and smooth. At this stage, the dough will be thick, but easy to shape. The key is to find the right balance between softness and firmness, so you can easily roll the dough without it sticking to your hands.
Divide and Color: Next, divide the dough into two parts. Leave about ¾ of the dough white, and color the remaining ¼ with red gel food coloring. Use as much or as little food coloring as you like, depending on how vibrant you want your red mints to be.
Roll and Twist: Now, it’s time to create those iconic peppermint twists! Take small portions of each dough color and roll them into thin ropes. Then, gently twist a red and a white rope together to create a beautiful swirl effect. Pinch off small sections to form individual mints. The process of rolling and twisting the dough is not only fun but also allows you to create custom shapes and sizes.
Dry and Set: Once all the mints are shaped, let them air dry for 1-2 hours. This will help them firm up slightly. Afterward, cut them into bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, allow the mints to dry for a full 24 hours before serving. The drying process helps the outside firm up while keeping the inside soft and creamy.