Why Make This Recipe
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings and festive cheer. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. These old-fashioned butter mints have a creamy texture and a refreshing minty flavor, making them a hit during the holiday season. Plus, you can personalize their colors and shapes to fit your holiday theme.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring
- Granulated sugar
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even texture.
Stir in the peppermint extract and a tiny pinch of salt. You can adjust the peppermint flavor to taste — start with ½ teaspoon and increase if you want a stronger minty kick. Be careful not to overdo it, as peppermint extract is potent.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. The mixture will begin soft but gradually turn into a thick, dough-like consistency. Once it becomes too stiff for the mixer, switch to kneading it by hand (dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking). The final dough should be smooth, pliable, and not sticky.
Divide the dough into portions, depending on how many colors you want. Traditionally, white, red, and green are used for Christmas. Add a drop or two of gel food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is fully incorporated. Use gloves or knead on parchment paper to avoid staining your hands.
Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll each portion of dough into a rope about ½ inch thick, then cut into small bite-sized pieces (about ½ inch). For a more decorative look, you can roll each piece into a ball and press down slightly with a fork, giving them a criss-cross pattern. Alternatively, use small candy molds or cookie stamps for festive designs.
Roll each shaped mint in granulated sugar to coat the outside. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from sticking together.
Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow them to air dry for 12–24 hours, uncovered, at room temperature. They will develop a firm outer shell while staying soft inside.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints
These mints are perfect after dinner or as a sweet snack. You can place them in a decorative bowl for your holiday gatherings or use them as gifts in festive jars. They can also be added to holiday dessert trays for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Store Soft Christmas Peppermints
Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for several weeks, but it’s best to consume them within a month for the freshest taste and texture.
Tips to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier mixing.
- Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract based on your personal taste preference.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
- Let the mints dry completely before storing to avoid them sticking together.
Variation
You can experiment with different flavors if you want to mix things up. Try adding vanilla or chocolate extract instead of peppermint for a unique twist. You can also make them for different occasions by using other food coloring and shapes.
FAQs
1. Can I use different colors than red and green?
Yes! Feel free to use any colors you like for different holidays or celebrations.
2. Is there a way to make these mints sugar-free?
You can use sugar substitutes in place of powdered sugar, but the texture may vary.
3. How do I know when the mints are dry enough?
They should feel firm to the touch and not stick to your fingers when you pick them up. Air-drying for 12–24 hours usually works well.
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
- Total Time: 30 minutes + drying time
- Yield: About 80 mints 1x
Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints are an old-fashioned holiday treat with a creamy texture and minty flavor. Easy to customize and perfect for gifting or festive dessert trays.
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring (red, green, or your choice)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Mix in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust extract if desired.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Once too stiff to mix, knead by hand until smooth and pliable.
- Divide dough and tint each portion with gel food coloring. Knead until color is evenly mixed.
- Roll dough into ½-inch ropes and cut into small bite-sized pieces. Optionally, roll into balls and flatten with a fork or mold into shapes.
- Roll each piece in granulated sugar and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Let mints air dry uncovered for 12–24 hours until firm outside and soft inside.
Notes
To avoid sticky dough, add more powdered sugar during kneading. These mints are great for gifting in jars or adding to dessert platters.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermints, holiday candy, butter mints, Christmas treat