Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the magic of the holidays, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not just any candy; they’re a nostalgic reminder of festive gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Each bite is a creamy, buttery burst of minty goodness that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all to yourself during a cozy evening.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the warmth it brings to any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or simply want to brighten up a busy weeknight, these mints are an easy and delightful way to spread some cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these mints in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Making these mints can be a fun activity for the whole family. Kids love shaping them!
• Customizable Colors: Add a festive touch with red food coloring for that perfect holiday vibe.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in cute jars or boxes—they make sweet gifts for anyone on your list!
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: The creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious Soft Christmas Peppermints! You likely have most of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make these mints your own. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Change Up the Flavor: Substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Add Some Zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon or lime zest for a refreshing citrusy kick.
• Go Nutty: Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Make Them Chocolatey: Dip the finished mints in melted dairy-free chocolate for an indulgent treat!

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Milk

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is essential because it creates a smooth base that will help your mints melt beautifully in your mouth. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Sugar

Next, mix in the peppermint extract, along with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual process helps prevent sugar clouds and ensures everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Color Your Mints

If you’d like to add some festive flair, now is the time to incorporate red food coloring. A few drops should do! Mix until you achieve your desired shade—this adds such a cheerful touch to your mints.

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Once everything is combined, take small amounts of dough and roll them into balls or shapes that catch your fancy. Don’t forget to coat each piece lightly in granulated sugar. This helps keep them from sticking together and adds a nice sparkle!

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy!

Place your shaped mints on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for about an hour until firm. This chilling time allows their flavors to meld beautifully. Once they’re set, enjoy these Soft Christmas Peppermints as part of your holiday festivities!

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

Making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints is a breeze, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting helps eliminate any lumps and ensures your mints have a silky finish. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• Adjust peppermint flavor to taste: If you love a strong mint flavor, feel free to add a little extra peppermint extract. Just remember to start small; you can always add more!

• Chill before shaping: After mixing, chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape into perfect little mints without sticking to your hands.

• Experiment with colors: Adding red food coloring not only gives your mints a festive look but also allows you to create fun designs by swirling different colors together.

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

Presenting your Soft Christmas Peppermints beautifully will make them even more special during the holiday season. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve these delightful treats!

Garnishes

• Crushed candy canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the mints for an added crunch and festive flair. They not only enhance the presentation but also amplify the minty flavor.

• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate creates an elegant touch that complements the buttery mints beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these mints, providing a cozy drink option that enhances the holiday spirit.

• Gingerbread cookies: The spicy warmth of gingerbread cookies contrasts deliciously with the coolness of peppermint, making for an ideal dessert spread.

• Fruit platter: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the mints. Consider including seasonal options like clementines or pomegranate seeds for a vibrant touch.

• Cheese board: A selection of non-dairy cheeses alongside crackers can create a savory contrast against the sweet mints, offering guests a delightful variety of flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Soft Christmas Peppermints will not only taste amazing but look festive and inviting on any holiday table! Enjoy sharing this timeless treat with friends and family this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip them up in advance, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready whenever the holiday spirit strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate the mints for a firmer texture.

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• These mints don’t require reheating; simply enjoy them as they are!
• If they feel too firm after refrigeration or freezing, let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

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

Can I use different flavors besides peppermint?

Absolutely! While this recipe features peppermint extract, you can experiment with other flavors like spearmint or vanilla for a unique twist.

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) festive?

Adding red food coloring is a great way to make your mints more festive! You can swirl it into the mixture for a marbled effect or color half of the batch red and leave the other half plain.

What if my mints are too sticky?

If your mints are sticking together, they may need more powdered sugar. Gradually add extra powdered sugar until they reach your desired consistency.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or any non-dairy sweetened condensed milk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) as much as I do! They not only bring back wonderful memories but also add a special touch to your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all for yourself (no judgment here!), I know they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy candy-making!