The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
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!
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas, Peppermints, Homemade, Festive, Dessert, Holiday Treats
