Magical Dreamy Christmas Peppermints Recipe: Sweet Holiday Joy

Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with the magic of homemade Christmas peppermints that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

These delicate candies bring nostalgic winter memories dancing through your kitchen.

Sweet peppermint flavors capture the essence of seasonal celebrations with remarkable simplicity.

Crafting these treats connects generations through a cherished culinary tradition.

Delicate sugar crystals and cool mint create an irresistible combination that beckons everyone to the dessert table.

Each carefully prepared peppermint becomes a small work of festive art.

Indulge in this delightful recipe and spread some sweet holiday cheer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 106 kcal

Servings: 21

What You’ll Need for Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture and delightful flavor base.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky sweetness and helps bind mint mixture together smoothly.
• Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and softens dough for perfect mint consistency.

• Peppermint Extract: Delivers crisp, cool mint flavor that defines classic Christmas candy.
• Food Coloring: Optional festive touch for creating traditional red and green holiday colors.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy mint removal during drying process.

Tools to Shape and Chill Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing the mint dough.
• Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: Perfect for drying and storing the mints without sticking.
• Fork: Useful for creating decorative patterns on mint surfaces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Soft Peppermints from Scratch

• Whip Up the Butter Base

Grab your mixer and transform softened butter into a creamy dream, beating until silky smooth.

• Blend in the Sweet

Gently fold powdered sugar into the butter, creating a crumbly wonderland that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Create Minty Perfection

Pour in heavy cream and peppermint extract, then whip until the dough becomes a smooth, delightful canvas ready for color and fun.

• Paint with Color

Divide your dough and playfully knead in food coloring – think festive red and green or classic white for a traditional touch.

• Shape Your Peppermint Gems

Roll tiny dough balls and gently press with a fork, giving each mint a charming, textured personality.

• Let Them Rest and Set

Allow your mints to air-dry at room temperature for a full night, transforming from soft dough to delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

• Preserve the Sweetness

Tuck your homemade mints into an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks.

Flavor Tweaks & Texture Tips for Butter Mints

• Swap in different extracts like spearmint or vanilla for unique flavor twists.
• Experiment with pastel or vibrant food coloring to match seasonal themes or party decor.
• Prepare dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate, bringing to room temperature before shaping.
• Create gluten-free versions by ensuring powdered sugar is certified gluten-free, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for vegan guests.
• Chill dough briefly if too soft, and work in small batches to maintain ideal consistency for rolling and pressing mints.

Serve Them in Jars, Bags, or Bowls

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these delightful peppermint bites on a festive ceramic tray with sprigs of fresh mint, creating a colorful and inviting display that will wow your guests.
• Gifting Charm: Package the mints in clear cellophane bags tied with elegant red or green ribbons, making perfect homemade Christmas gifts for neighbors, teachers, or family friends.
• Dessert Companion: Serve these melt-in-your-mouth mints alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or as a sweet after-dinner treat to complement rich holiday desserts and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Festive Garnish: Use these homemade mints as decorative garnishes on holiday dessert plates, adding a pop of color and cool peppermint flavor to chocolate cakes, puddings, or ice cream sundaes.

Keep Peppermints Fresh Through the Holidays

• Refrigerate mints in a sealed container to extend freshness up to three weeks, keeping them cool and preventing softening.
• Separate mint layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain individual shape during storage.
• Keep mints away from warm areas like sunny windowsills or heating vents to maintain their delicate texture and prevent melting.
• Prepare these festive treats up to one month in advance, storing them in a cool, dry place for stress-free holiday baking.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe. Salted butter might slightly alter the mint’s final taste.

• How fine should the powdered sugar be?

Use standard confectioners’ sugar that’s smooth and finely ground. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures a creamy mint texture.

• What if my dough is too sticky?

Add small amounts of powdered sugar gradually until the dough becomes easier to handle. Work the sugar in slowly to maintain the right consistency.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these mints?

No, just a mixing bowl, electric mixer, baking sheet, and parchment paper. A fork works perfectly for creating the decorative pattern on top of each mint.

Dreamy Christmas Peppermints

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 21 1x

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Description

Homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints deliver nostalgic holiday charm with classic butter mint magic. Delicate peppermint squares melt gracefully, offering sweet memories of grandmother’s cherished recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream (plus extra if needed)
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• Food coloring (optional, red and green for festive colors)

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Instructions

1. Butter Preparation: Whip softened butter using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
2. Sugar Integration: Methodically fold powdered sugar into butter, blending thoroughly after each addition until mixture transforms into a crumbly, grainy texture.
3. Liquid Enhancement: Pour heavy cream and peppermint extract into the mixture, combining until a smooth, malleable dough forms. Adjust moisture level with minimal additional cream if needed.
4. Color Infusion: Divide dough into distinct portions and gently massage food coloring throughout each section, ensuring even pigment distribution. Traditional holiday hues include vibrant red, festive green, and classic white.
5. Shaping and Texturing: Roll small, uniform spheres approximately half an inch in diameter, positioning them on parchment-lined surface. Delicately imprint each mint with fork tines to create elegant surface patterns.
6. Drying and Setting: Allow mints to air-dry at room temperature for a minimum of eight hours, enabling them to develop a firm, stable structure. Transfer completely set mints into an airtight container to preserve freshness and maintain optimal texture.
7. Consumption Guideline: Enjoy these delectable treats within two weeks to ensure peak flavor and quality.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for optimal dough consistency and smooth mixing.
• Precise Sugar Incorporation: Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent lumps and achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Color Distribution Technique: Knead food coloring gently to create uniform, vibrant mints without streaking or uneven pigmentation.
• Drying Strategy: Place mints in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or humidity to maintain their delicate structure and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 21
• Calories: 106
• Sugar: 10.5 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16.9 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg