Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings, let me introduce you to my cherished recipe for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). These little gems are not just candies; they are a nostalgic reminder of holiday cheer. With their creamy, buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor, they melt in your mouth and make any occasion feel festive.

What I love most about these mints is their simplicity. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick treat or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a sweet bite. Plus, they make wonderful gifts! Just imagine how happy your loved ones will be when they receive a box filled with these delicious mints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these soft candies, making them great for all ages.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these mints ahead of time and store them for the holidays.
• Deliciously festive: The minty flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness, creating a flavor that screams holiday cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious Soft Christmas Peppermints. You might already have many of them in your kitchen!

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! Feel free to tweak it according to your tastes.

• Add color: Use different food coloring to make these mints vibrant for any occasion.
• Experiment with flavors: Swap out peppermint extract for other extracts like vanilla or almond for unique variations.
• Make them festive: Roll the mints in crushed candy canes after coating them in granulated sugar for extra holiday flair.
• Try chocolate: Dip the finished mints in melted dairy-free chocolate for a decadent twist.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter

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 that will help your mints achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mix until well combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. The mixture will start to thicken—this is totally normal! Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally so everything gets nicely blended. The goal here is a thick but pliable dough that holds its shape.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to bring in that lovely minty flavor! Stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of red food coloring at this point. This not only enhances the look but also adds fun color variations!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Once mixed, dust your hands lightly with granulated sugar and take small amounts of dough to roll into balls. Place them on parchment paper lined trays. Don’t worry about making them perfect; their charm lies in their homemade look!

Step 5: Let Them Set

Allow your shaped mints to sit at room temperature for about an hour. This helps them firm up so they won’t be too sticky when you enjoy them later. Once set, you can coat them again with granulated sugar if you desire an extra sweet touch!

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

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

Creating the perfect batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your mints come out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream smoothly into the other ingredients, ensuring a rich, creamy texture for your mints.

• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting before measuring can prevent lumps in your mixture, resulting in a smoother and more uniform candy that melts beautifully in your mouth.

• Be patient with chilling: Allowing your mints to chill thoroughly will help them set properly. This step ensures they hold their shape when you bite into them!

• Experiment with colors: A few drops of red food coloring can make your mints festive and fun! You can even swirl different colors together for a beautiful design.

• Coat with granulated sugar: This adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent sticking. Just roll the mints after shaping them for that extra touch!

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

These delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints not only taste amazing but also make for a lovely presentation during the holiday season. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint on your serving platter can enhance the minty theme while adding a splash of vibrant green.
• Chocolate shavings: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some finely shaved chocolate on top of your mints or around the serving dish. It adds a visual appeal and complements the mint flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Nothing pairs better with these mints than a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor enhances the peppermint experience wonderfully.
• Gingerbread cookies: These classic holiday treats bring a spicy warmth that contrasts nicely with the coolness of your peppermint candies, creating a delightful combination.
• Peppermint bark: Layering these mints with homemade peppermint bark creates an irresistible candy platter that’s sure to impress friends and family during gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the mints. Use seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and citrus slices for added color!

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to impress everyone with your homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints this holiday season! Enjoy making memories as much as you enjoy sharing these treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip them up in advance and store them for all your holiday festivities.

Storing Leftovers

• Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture.
• For added protection, separate layers of mints with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Place mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen mints to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Mints can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints; they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If they become too soft, place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving to firm them up slightly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious treats!

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) last?

Soft Christmas Peppermints can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last even longer.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint extract?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, feel free to experiment with other extracts like spearmint or vanilla for a unique twist on these Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products. Always check your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I color the Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes! Adding red food coloring gives these mints a festive touch. You can also create swirls by mixing in the color just before rolling them into balls.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints as much as I do! They’re not just candies; they’re little bites of holiday joy that can brighten anyone’s day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or keeping them all to yourself, I know they’re going to bring smiles all around. Happy candy-making!