Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings the comfort of home during the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are a delightful addition to your festive celebrations. With their creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor, they melt in your mouth and transport you straight back to childhood memories of cozy family gatherings and cheerful holiday festivities.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or planning a big family gathering, these mints are perfect for any occasion. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors, spreading joy one mint at a time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious mints ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Making these mints can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Get everyone involved in rolling and coating!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these mints ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for holiday parties.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract or add some food coloring to make them uniquely yours!
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in cute bags or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

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

The beauty of these Soft Christmas Peppermints lies in their versatility! Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Different Extracts: Swap out peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Try Different Colors: Use green food coloring instead of red for a festive look or even create swirls with both colors.
• Incorporate Sprinkles: Roll the mints in festive sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
• Make Them Chocolatey: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and dip half of each mint into it before they set.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it creates a smooth base for your mints. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure that your mints turn out soft and creamy!

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually sift in the powdered sugar along with a pinch of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients into your buttery mixture will help prevent lumps. You’ll want to blend until everything is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough-like consistency.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to add that refreshing peppermint extract! Stir it into your mixture until evenly distributed. If you’re feeling festive, this is also the moment to incorporate red food coloring—just a few drops will do! Mix until you achieve your desired hue.

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Dust your hands with granulated sugar (this helps prevent sticking) and scoop out small portions of dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Each mint should be about one inch wide.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Place your shaped mints onto parchment paper-lined trays. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about an hour until they firm up slightly. This step is important because it helps them keep their shape while still being soft enough to melt in your mouth!

Step 6: Coat with Sugar

Finally, roll each mint in granulated sugar before serving or packaging them up as gifts. This adds just the right amount of sweetness while giving them that classic candy look!

Enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints with friends or family—they truly embody the spirit of the season!

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

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps in achieving a creamy texture that blends smoothly with the other ingredients, making your mints melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Sift the powdered sugar: Sifting before adding to the mixture prevents lumps and ensures a smooth consistency, which is essential for that soft texture we all love.

• Adjust mint flavor to taste: Start with one teaspoon of peppermint extract, then taste your mixture. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, feel free to add more gradually, but be careful not to overpower the buttery goodness.

• Chill for easier handling: After mixing your ingredients, refrigerate the dough for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls and prevents them from sticking to your hands.

• Coat with granulated sugar for a festive touch: Rolling your mints in granulated sugar not only adds a delightful crunch but also gives them a lovely sparkle that’s perfect for holiday gatherings!

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints make an eye-catching treat during the holidays! Presenting them elegantly will surely impress your guests and create a warm festive atmosphere.

Garnishes

• Sprigs of fresh mint: Adding a small sprig of mint on top of each mint adds a pop of color and enhances their refreshing flavor.

• Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies over the mints before they set for an extra festive touch and added texture.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, creamy flavors of hot cocoa beautifully complement the coolness of the peppermint, creating a cozy pairing perfect for winter gatherings.

• Gingerbread cookies: The spicy sweetness of gingerbread cookies contrasts nicely with the cool freshness of your mints, offering guests a delightful variety of flavors.

• Christmas fruitcake: This traditional dessert adds richness and fruitiness that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of butter mints.

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea provides a comforting balance to these sweet treats and enhances their tasty peppermint flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer with your homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints! Happy candy-making!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal treat to whip up in advance for your holiday celebrations. You can easily prepare them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their texture.
• They will stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored properly.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• These mints do not require reheating, as they are enjoyed straight from storage.
• If they’ve been frozen, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints).

Can I use different flavor extracts in my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like spearmint or vanilla for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

How many Soft Christmas Peppermints does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 30-40 mints, depending on your preferred size. They’re perfect for sharing or gifting!

Can I make these mints without using food coloring?

Yes, you can absolutely skip the food coloring. The mints will still taste delightful without it!

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute with coconut cream or a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) carry a lovely nostalgia that adds warmth to any holiday gathering. I hope you enjoy making these delightful treats as much as I do! They’re simple yet so satisfying—perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself! Happy mint-making!