Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that brings back warm holiday memories, then you’re going to fall in love with the Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe. This delightful candy is a perfect blend of creamy butter, festive peppermint flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite a little moment of holiday magic. Preparing these mints is a charming tradition that’s as simple as it is satisfying, delivering a colorful, sweet treat that feels like a cozy Christmas hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe ingredients are charmingly straightforward, yet each one plays its own special role in creating that perfect buttery, minty texture and flavor. From the creamy butter to the luscious powdered sugar, every addition counts for the perfect festive bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The rich, creamy base that gives the mints their signature softness and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted: A key ingredient that sweetens and thickens the dough, creating the perfect sweet foundation.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds moisture and smoothness to balance the sugar’s sweetness and keep the mixture pliable.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the mints with that classic, refreshing seasonal flavor.
- Food coloring (red, green, or any color you prefer): Fun and festive, the colors make these mints perfect for holiday sharing and gift-giving.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional): Adds a delightful sparkle and a slight crunch when you roll the mints in it before drying.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it turns smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because the butter’s creamy texture helps everything else come together beautifully and gives your mints that tender, soft bite.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift the powdered sugar into the butter while mixing on low speed. Doing this slowly helps to prevent a dusty cloud of sugar and ensures that the sweetness is distributed evenly throughout the dough, building that soft, sweet foundation you’re craving.
Step 3: Mix in Cream and Extract
Next, stir in the heavy cream and peppermint extract. The cream adds a silky moisture that keeps the mints from being too dry, while the peppermint brings that unmistakable holiday spirit to every bite. If your dough feels a bit too stiff, don’t hesitate to add a little more cream—this dough should feel smooth and pliable.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide your dough into portions, then knead in your chosen food coloring. This is the fun part where the soft butter mints start to really come alive in their festive red, green, or whatever colors bring you joy. Make sure the color is evenly spread for vibrant, eye-catching candies.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into logs, then slice into bite-sized pieces. This step is where your creativity shines; you can keep them simple or get more decorative, but the goal is to create uniformly sized pieces that will set beautifully.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar (Optional)
For an extra touch of sweetness and a shimmer that catches the light, roll your little mints in granulated sugar. This coating adds a delicate crunch and festive sparkle that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Dry the Mints
Place your shaped candies on a baking sheet and allow them to air-dry for 1 to 2 hours. This resting period lets the mints firm up just enough without losing their softness, making them perfectly ready for sharing or gifting.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little touch of garnish when serving your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe can elevate their presentation and taste. Consider placing a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes nearby to boost their festive aura and tantalize the senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
These mints are a sweet finale that pairs wonderfully with hot drinks like peppermint mocha, spiced cider, or even a classic cup of black coffee. Their buttery softness and peppermint flavor complement a warm beverage’s cozy notes, making them fantastic for dessert tables or holiday break moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe are perfect not just for eating but for gifting. You can place them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, layer them in decorative tins, or arrange them on holiday platters with mini pine cones and holly leaves for a charming homemade gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (or want to prepare in advance), store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their fresh texture and flavor for up to two weeks—perfect for making early holiday treats that stay delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Simply spread the mints out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature; they’ll retain their soft, buttery texture beautifully.
Reheating
These mints are best enjoyed as they are—no reheating needed. Their softness and flavor shine brightest right after their drying period. If slightly chilled from the freezer, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts to create different flavor profiles that suit your taste or occasion.
How do I make sure my mints are soft and not hard?
The key is to keep the butter soft, add enough heavy cream, and avoid over-drying during the air-dry step. If the dough feels too stiff, add a little more cream to maintain softness and the perfect texture.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting the powdered sugar is recommended because it prevents lumps and helps achieve that silky smooth dough essential to Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe.
Can I make these mints gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses only dairy, sugar, and flavoring. Just ensure the food coloring and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
How long do the mints need to dry?
Allow them to air-dry on a baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours. This time helps the outer layer firm slightly while keeping the inside soft and tender for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a sweet, nostalgic holiday experience, this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create vibrant, buttery mints that embody the joy of Christmas and spread smiles with every bite. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this heartwarming tradition—you won’t regret it!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful homemade treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these mints are soft, pliable, and easy to flavor and color in festive hues. They offer a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth experience and can be rolled in granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Main 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 Ingredients
- Food coloring (red, green, or any color you prefer)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, which forms the base of your peppermint mints.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until well combined to create the sweet dough.
- Mix in Cream and Extract: Pour in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, then mix until the dough is smooth and pliable. If the mixture feels too dry, add more cream a little at a time to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into separate portions depending on how many colors you want, then knead food coloring into each portion thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the colored dough into small balls or form into logs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, preparing them for finishing touches.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional): For added texture and sweetness, roll each piece in granulated sugar to coat all sides evenly.
- Dry the Mints: Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet and allow them to air-dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. This helps set their shape and texture before serving.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
- You can adjust the peppermint extract to taste depending on your preference for intensity.
- These mints should be stored in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Food coloring is completely optional but can help make your mints festive and bright.
- Allowing the mints to air-dry is essential for firmness but avoid baking or cooking them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
