Introduction to Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Ah, the holiday season! It’s a time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. One of my all-time favorites is Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies are not just a feast for the taste buds; they also bring a festive touch to any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy day or a delightful gift for loved ones, this recipe is perfect. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a breeze to make, even for the busiest of cooks. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. The taste? Oh, it’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: Softened butter is key for that creamy texture. It’s the heart of these mints!
Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient gives the mints their melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s essential for sweetness and texture.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! This extract brings that refreshing minty flavor that screams holiday cheer.
Heavy Cream (or Milk): A splash of cream helps form a soft, kneadable dough. You can use milk if you’re in a pinch.
Food Coloring: Red and green are classic holiday colors. They make your mints festive and fun!
Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar: Optional, but who can resist a little sparkle? They add a festive touch to your mints.
Vanilla Extract: If you want a softer flavor blend, this is a lovely addition. It complements the peppermint beautifully.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing. Happy cooking!

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

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it’s creamy and smooth. This is where the magic begins! Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture is thick and velvety. It should feel like a fluffy cloud of sweetness!

Step 2: Mix in Flavor

Next, it’s time to add the flavor! Pour in the peppermint extract and a splash of heavy cream. This will help form a soft, kneadable dough. Mix until everything is well combined. The aroma will transport you straight to a winter wonderland!

Step 3: Color the Dough

Divide your dough into portions. This is where you can get creative! Tint each section with your desired holiday colors—think vibrant reds and greens. It’s like painting, but way tastier! Knead the colors in until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Now comes the fun part—shaping the mints! You can roll the dough into logs for a classic look or press it into silicone flower molds for a festive twist. Each shape adds a personal touch, making them even more special!

Step 5: Add Festive Touches

Once shaped, unmold your mints and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar on top. It’s like giving your mints a holiday outfit!

Step 6: Dry the Mints

Let your mints air-dry for about 1 to 2 hours. They should be firm on the outside but still soft inside. This step is crucial for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Patience is key, my friend!

Step 7: Store Properly

Finally, store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in airtight containers. The flavor actually improves after a day as they mellow. So, if you can resist, let them sit for a bit before diving in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is truly softened for easy mixing.
Don’t rush the drying process; it’s key for that perfect texture.
Experiment with different food coloring combinations for a fun twist.
Use a silicone mat for easy cleanup when shaping your mints.
Store in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh longer.

Equipment Needed for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. Any bowl will do!
Electric Mixer: For easy mixing. A whisk works too, but it’ll take longer.
Silicone Molds: For fun shapes. You can also use your hands to roll them.
Parchment Paper: To place your mints on. Wax paper is a good alternative.

Variations of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Chocolate Peppermint: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate twist. It’s like a peppermint patty in mint form!
Fruit-Flavored Mints: Swap peppermint extract for other extracts like raspberry or orange for a fruity surprise.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk to make these mints dairy-free.
Spiced Mints: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday spice flavor that complements the peppermint.
Nutty Mints: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat.
Serve on a festive platter alongside cookies and other holiday sweets.
Wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for charming gifts.
Use as a delightful topping for holiday desserts like ice cream or cakes.

FAQs about Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Can I make Soft Christmas Peppermints ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mints can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll taste even better after a day as the flavors meld together.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these mints can last for up to two weeks. Just keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.

Can I customize the flavors of Soft Christmas Peppermints?

What’s the best way to store Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can change their texture and make them too hard.

Can I use different colors for my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Of course! Feel free to get creative with your food coloring. You can mix and match colors to create beautiful, festive designs that will impress your guests!

Final Thoughts on Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and holiday spirit. The joy of creating these creamy, colorful mints is matched only by the smiles they bring to family and friends. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with a cozy drink, each bite is a reminder of the love and care that goes into homemade treats. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the magic of these old-fashioned butter mints create sweet memories this holiday season!

Soft Christmas Peppermints: Easy Holiday Treats to Make!

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Author: Dishyo
Total Time: 1–2 hours (dry time)
Yield: ~100 mints
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint candies in festive colors—perfect for gifting or holiday trays.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Butter (softened)
4 cups Powdered sugar
1 tsp Peppermint extract
2–4 tbsp Heavy cream (or milk)
Food coloring (red + green)
Sprinkles or sanding sugar
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for a softer flavor blend

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Instructions

Beat softened butter until creamy, then slowly add powdered sugar until thick and smooth.
Mix in peppermint extract and a splash of cream to form a soft, kneadable dough.
Divide dough into portions and tint each section with desired holiday colors.
Roll into logs or press into silicone flower molds for the classic butter-mint shape.
Unmold and place mints on parchment; add festive sprinkles on top if desired.
Let air-dry 1–2 hours until firm on the outside but soft inside.
Store in airtight containers—flavor improves after a day as they mellow.

Notes

These mints can be customized with different colors and flavors.
For a softer flavor, consider adding vanilla extract.
Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mint
Calories: 50
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg