Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, then these Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights are just what you need! There’s something magical about the creamy, minty flavor of these little confections. They’re not only a hit during the holiday season, but they also make for a great sweet snack any time of the year. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that even your kids can join in the fun!

These mints are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a cozy treat while you curl up with a good book. With their festive colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves these soft mints! They can be made together as a family activity.
• Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare them in advance and store them for whenever you need a sweet fix.
• Customizable Flavor: You can easily switch up the extracts or add food coloring for extra fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. These Soft Christmas Peppermints come together quickly with just five main ingredients!

For the Mints

• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Do not substitute with powdered milk)
• ½ cup Butter (Use unsalted butter for best results)
• 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Do not substitute unless necessary)
• 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Can replace with vanilla or almond extracts)
• as needed drops Food Coloring (Optional for festive colors)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize your mints to suit your taste or occasion.

• Swap the Extract: Use vanilla or almond extract instead of peppermint for a different flavor profile.
• Add Some Zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon or lime zest for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Dipping: Dip half of each mint in melted dairy-free chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Shape It Up: Instead of traditional mints, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for special occasions.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by placing your butter in a mixing bowl. Add the sweetened condensed milk. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates the rich base that makes these mints melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 2: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar

Now it’s time to incorporate the powdered sugar. Gradually add it in while mixing on low speed. This prevents any cloud-like sugar from flying around your kitchen! Mix until everything is well combined and forms a thick dough-like consistency.

Step 3: Flavor It Up!

Next, stir in the peppermint extract. If you’d like to add food coloring, now’s your chance! Divide the mixture into bowls if you’re using multiple colors, and mix until you achieve your desired shades. The vibrant colors make these mints even more festive!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or flatten them into discs on parchment paper. The size can vary based on your preference—just remember they will stay soft! This step is where you can get creative with shapes if you’re using cookie cutters.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate your mints for about 15 minutes to set them. Once they’re firm, serve them up at your next gathering or store them in an airtight container. Enjoy this delicious treat that everyone will love!

Now you’re all set to make these Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights! Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself; I won’t tell!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure your Soft Christmas Peppermints turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with soft butter helps to create a creamier texture, making your mints smoother and easier to work with.

• Sift the powdered sugar: Sifting eliminates lumps, ensuring your mints have that melt-in-your-mouth quality without any graininess.

• Adjust peppermint extract to taste: If you’re unsure about the mint flavor, start with less extract and add more gradually. This way, you can customize the intensity to suit your preference.

• Chill the dough: If you find the mixture too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to shape into mints while maintaining their softness.

• Experiment with colors: Using different food colorings can make your mints visually appealing. Just a few drops can transform them into festive treats that brighten up any holiday table.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them in a charming way can elevate your dessert table during the holidays!

Garnishes

• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top of your mints for an extra festive touch and added crunch.

• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dairy-free chocolate over each mint adds a luxurious look and rich flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these mints, creating a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with fresh seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mints, balancing flavors wonderfully.

• Gingerbread Cookies: The spicy warmth of gingerbread cookies harmonizes well with peppermint, making this duo a timeless holiday combination.

• Nuts and Dried Fruits Platter: A platter filled with assorted nuts and dried fruits provides a savory element that complements the sweetness of the Soft Christmas Peppermints beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal treat for the busy holiday season. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for when you need a sweet surprise or a festive gift.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• If you notice any moisture, consider placing a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess humidity.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints; simply enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer!
• If they have become too hard from freezing, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful treats!

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract when making Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes! You can use peppermint oil for a stronger flavor. Just reduce the amount slightly, as it is more potent than extract.

How do I make my Soft Christmas Peppermints extra festive?

You can customize your mints by adding food coloring and shaping them into fun designs. Consider using red and green colors for that holiday cheer!

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

What makes Soft Christmas Peppermints melt-in-your-mouth delights?

The combination of sweetened condensed milk and butter creates a creamy texture that literally melts in your mouth, making these treats irresistible!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights! They bring warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home. Remember, whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with loved ones, these mints are sure to spread smiles all around. Happy cooking, and may your days be filled with delicious moments!