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
Scale
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
