Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not just any candy; they are a heartfelt tradition that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The creamy, buttery texture paired with a refreshing mint flavor makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous holiday get-togethers.

What truly makes this recipe special is how it can be shared with loved ones. Whether you’re gifting them in a pretty tin or enjoying them with friends over hot cocoa, these mints spread joy wherever they go. Trust me, once you make these melt-in-your-mouth mints, you’ll want to keep the tradition alive year after year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious mints ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen as they shape the mints and choose their favorite colors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These mints can be made ahead of time and stored for days, making holiday planning a breeze.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in cute jars or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
• Deliciously Versatile: Customize the flavor and color to suit any occasion or personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one contributes to the creamy texture and minty flavor that makes these mints so special.

For the Mints

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily make adjustments to create your perfect version of Soft Christmas Peppermints.

• Add a twist of flavor: Try using different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique taste.
• Go colorful: Instead of red food coloring, use green or even create swirled colors for a fun presentation!
• Mix in some zest: Adding a bit of lemon or orange zest can give your mints a refreshing citrus kick.
• Dip in chocolate: For an indulgent treat, dip half of each mint in melted dairy-free chocolate before coating with sugar.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by creaming your softened butter in a mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This step creates that lovely airy texture which is crucial for making your mints soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s also the base for holding all those yummy flavors together!

Step 2: Add Condensed Milk and Extract

Next, add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract into the bowl. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. The condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess while the peppermint extract gives that refreshing holiday flavor we all love.

Step 3: Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar into your mixture. Be sure to mix slowly at first to avoid a sugary cloud! This step is essential as it transforms your mixture into a dough-like consistency that can be shaped into those adorable mints.

Step 4: Flavor and Color It Up

Now’s the fun part! If you’d like to add red food coloring, do so at this stage. Mix until you achieve your desired shade. This not only makes your mints visually appealing but also adds an extra festive touch!

Step 5: Shape Your Mints

Once your dough is ready, take small pieces and roll them into balls or flatten them into discs – whatever shape you prefer! After shaping, coat each mint lightly in granulated sugar to give them that classic candy crunch.

Step 6: Allow to Set

Place your shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit out at room temperature for about an hour to set properly. This step helps them firm up just right so they hold their shape when you enjoy them!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)! Enjoy sharing these delightful morsels with friends and family this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, but a few insider tips can take your candy-making game to the next level!

• Use softened butter: This ensures that your mints will have a creamy texture and blend smoothly with the other ingredients. Cold butter can create lumps and make it harder to mix in the powdered sugar.

• Sift the powdered sugar: Sifting helps eliminate any clumps, resulting in a smoother mixture. It also makes it easier to incorporate into the wet ingredients, which is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

• Experiment with color: Adding red food coloring not only enhances the festive appearance of your mints but also allows you to create fun designs! Swirling red into the white mixture can make for beautiful marbled candies.

• Chill before shaping: After mixing, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can make it easier to shape your mints. This step firms up the dough, making it less sticky and easier to handle.

• Dust with granulated sugar: Coating your finished mints in granulated sugar adds a lovely sparkle and prevents them from sticking together. It also enhances their sweetness, making each bite even more delightful!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just delicious; they also look lovely when presented well. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your serving experience during the festive season!

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.

• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate could enhance both flavor and presentation. It adds an elegant touch that makes these mints feel extra special.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these refreshing mints. The rich chocolatey flavor balances nicely with the coolness of peppermint, making it a comforting duo.

• Sugar cookies: Offering soft sugar cookies alongside your mints creates a delightful variety of textures and flavors, bringing extra joy to any holiday gathering.

• Fruit platter: A colorful fruit platter with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries adds brightness and freshness to your spread, creating a beautiful contrast with the sweets.

• Tea or coffee: Warm beverages like spiced tea or coffee are ideal for enjoying with these buttery mints. They provide warmth while counterbalancing the sweet flavors perfectly.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your friends and family this holiday season! Enjoy every delightful bite of your Soft Christmas Peppermints!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holidays without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their softness.
• They can last up to two weeks if stored properly.

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between mints if desired.
• They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints since they’re best enjoyed soft and cool.
• If they become slightly hard, simply leave them out for a short while to return to their ideal texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints that might help you out!

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) without food coloring?

You can definitely skip the food coloring! The mints will still have that lovely festive flavor even without the color.

Can I use different extracts in my Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other extracts like spearmint, vanilla, or almond for a unique twist.

What makes these Soft Christmas Peppermints different from regular candy?

These mints are ultra-soft and creamy due to the butter and sweetened condensed milk, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s truly special.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints this holiday season! They’re not just candies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that bring warmth and cheer. Enjoy sharing them with your loved ones or keeping a stash all for yourself! Happy mint-making!