If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s equal parts festive, creamy, and impossible to stop eating, look no further than Soft Christmas Peppermints. These homemade delights are lusciously soft, melt in your mouth, and have that quintessential peppermint zing that instantly feels like the holidays. The best part? They’re as much fun to make as they are to eat, and they always disappear first from any cookie tray. With their cheery colors and lovely texture, they’re just begging to become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s almost magical how a handful of simple ingredients can turn into something so delicious. Every item in this recipe is intentional—each one weaving its flavor or texture into the nostalgic charm of Soft Christmas Peppermints. Let’s break it down:

Powdered sugar: The foundation of the whole recipe, powdered sugar brings structure and that signature soft, sweet profile.
Cream cheese (softened): This is your secret weapon for the melt-in-your-mouth texture—let it come to room temperature for easy blending.
Unsalted butter (softened): Butter rounds out the creaminess, adding richness and a hint of indulgence.
Peppermint extract: Just half a teaspoon delivers that cool, classic peppermint freshness that defines these mints.
Gel food coloring (red and green, optional): Gel colors add festive spirit without watering down the dough—feel free to get creative!
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Rolling the candies in sugar gives them a delightful sparkly exterior and just the right hint of crunch.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Base

Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large mixing bowl. You’re looking for a mixture that’s silky and fluffy—no lumps hiding around! A stand mixer or handheld mixer both do the trick, and a good thorough mix right at the start means an even, creamy peppermint dough.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Flavor

Pour in the peppermint extract and blend until it’s completely incorporated. The aroma is going to be downright irresistible at this stage. If you love a stronger minty punch, don’t be afraid to add an extra drop (but taste as you go—peppermint can get strong fast!).

Step 3: Sweeten and Thicken

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time. Mixing well between additions ensures a smooth, pliable dough forms without any pesky lumps. By the time all the sugar is in, you’ll have a dough that’s soft and holds together easily.

Step 4: Add Holiday Colors

If you want that iconic Christmas look, divide your dough into two or three portions and knead in your gel food coloring. Red, green, or even a snowy white—every batch becomes a little work of art. Use gloves to keep your hands color-free, and knead gently for even, vibrant colors.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar

Roll the dough into small balls, each about half an inch in diameter. Once rolled, coat them generously in granulated sugar, which gives them that signature sparkle and a hint of texture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass or your thumb.

Step 6: Dry to Perfection

Now, the hardest part—waiting! Leave the mints uncovered on the baking sheet for 24 hours at room temperature. This patience pays off with exteriors that are firm enough to pick up and arrange but interiors that stay gloriously soft and creamy.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

There’s something so charming about a tray of Soft Christmas Peppermints sprinkled with a final dusting of sparkling sugar. For an extra-special touch, add a few tiny mint leaves or edible gold stars to your platter. If you want to get fancy, dot each mint with a tiny drizzle of white chocolate for a snow-kissed look.

Side Dishes

Since these mints are rich and sweet, they shine brightest alongside simple accompaniments. Offer them at the end of a meal with strong coffee or mint tea, or pair alongside hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies for a dreamy dessert board. They’re the dazzling finish every holiday celebration deserves!

Creative Ways to Present

Pack Soft Christmas Peppermints into decorative tins for gifts, or wrap small bundles in cellophane and tie with festive ribbons. Set them out in pretty bowls on your holiday table, or include them in cookie boxes for friends and neighbors. You might even make multicolored batches and layer them in glass jars for a merry sprinkle effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your mints have dried, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and minty for up to two weeks at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together—and to make them easy to grab and go.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on holiday prep, Soft Christmas Peppermints freeze wonderfully! Place the fully dried mints in single layers, separated by parchment, in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so—they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

There’s no need for reheating here—these little jewels are perfect served at room temperature. If they’ve been in the fridge or freezer, just allow them to sit out for 30–60 minutes before serving to bring back all that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferable because it gives vibrant color without changing the dough’s texture. If you only have liquid food coloring, use it very sparingly and be prepared for softer dough—add a little more powdered sugar if needed to compensate.

How do I know when the mints are ready?

After 24 hours of drying, the outsides should be firm and dry to the touch, but the centers will still be pillowy soft. If the weather is particularly humid, you might need a couple more hours to achieve that perfect texture.

Can I try other flavors besides peppermint?

Absolutely! Soft Christmas Peppermints are wonderfully customizable—swap in almond, vanilla, or lemon extract for a fun twist. Play with colors and shapes to match any celebration year-round.

Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special candy thermometers or gadgets required! Just a good mixer, some bowls, and your hands. If you want perfectly uniform mints, a small cookie scoop can help, but eyeballing works just as well.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

You can make Soft Christmas Peppermints up to two weeks ahead and store them airtight at room temperature. They actually improve a bit with time, as the flavors meld and deepen. Perfect for less-stress holiday planning!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly crowd-pleasing treat that captures the magic of the season in every bite, it doesn’t get better than Soft Christmas Peppermints. They’re simple, joyful, and endlessly customizable—so don’t be surprised when friends and family start asking for the recipe! Give them a try, and get ready to start a sweet new holiday tradition.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 24 hours drying time)
Yield: About 80 mints 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat that are easy to make and perfect for gifting. Creamy and minty, these homemade candies are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Gel food coloring (red and green, optional)
Granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the peppermint extract and mix until incorporated.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into portions if using multiple colors, and knead in a small amount of gel food coloring until evenly tinted.
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1/2 inch), then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your thumb. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the mints dry uncovered at room temperature for 24 hours, until firm on the outside but soft inside.