Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that warms the heart and brings back memories of cozy holiday gatherings, look no further than these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). Every bite of these delightful mints melts in your mouth, offering a creamy, buttery texture paired with a refreshing minty flavor. They are not just candies; they are little packets of joy that can brighten up any occasion, from busy weeknights to festive family get-togethers.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and nostalgic charm. It reminds us of those cherished moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, crafting something delicious together. Plus, they make perfect gifts for neighbors and friends during the holiday season, spreading cheer one mint at a time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful mints in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love rolling and coating the mints, making it a fun family activity.
• Make Ahead: These mints can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment—perfect for holiday planning!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint is simply irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the colors or flavors to suit your festive needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need to create these melt-in-your-mouth treats!

For the Base

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt

For Decoration

• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make these mints your own with some fun variations.

• Add Color: Use different food coloring shades to match your holiday decor or personal style.
• Change the Flavor: Swap peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Try Different Shapes: Instead of traditional rounds, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes!
• Mix in Extras: Add crushed candy canes or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Milk

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. This step is important because it creates a smooth base that will ensure your mints have that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavor

Next, gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing. This will help prevent clouds of sugar from flying everywhere! Once incorporated, stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mixing these ingredients together will enhance the flavor profile of your mints, giving them that classic holiday taste.

Step 3: Color Your Mixture (Optional)

If you want to add some festive flair, now’s the time to mix in red food coloring! Start with a drop or two and blend until you reach your desired shade. The color not only brightens up your mints but also makes them visually appealing for gifting or sharing.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Once your mixture is ready, dust your hands with granulated sugar (this helps prevent sticking) and roll small amounts into balls or whichever shape you prefer. Aim for about 1-inch pieces so they’re easy to pop into your mouth!

Step 5: Coat and Dry

Finally, roll each mint in granulated sugar before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry at room temperature for about an hour. This step ensures they maintain their shape and adds an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy sharing these Soft Christmas Peppermints with family and friends—they’re bound to become a favorite tradition!

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

Creating these delightful mints can be a breeze if you keep a few handy tips in mind!

• Room Temperature Butter: Using softened, room temperature butter ensures that your mixture blends smoothly, resulting in an even texture and flavor throughout the mints.

• Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing helps eliminate lumps and creates a finer texture in your mints, making them even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Adjusting Mint Flavor: Start with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preference. A little extra can go a long way in enhancing that refreshing peppermint zing!

• Color with Care: If you choose to add red food coloring, do so gradually. A small amount goes a long way, allowing you to achieve that festive swirl without overpowering the minty flavor.

• Let Them Rest: Allowing the mints to rest for at least an hour after shaping them helps them firm up perfectly, ensuring they hold their shape while still maintaining that soft texture.

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

These charming mints are not just delicious; they also make for delightful decorations and gifts during the holiday season! Here are some fun ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkling crushed candy canes on top adds a festive crunch and enhances the minty flavor. They also look stunning against the creamy white mints!

• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over your mints gives them an elegant touch and introduces a rich contrast to the sweet peppermint.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: The creamy sweetness of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these mints. Sip on this warm drink while enjoying your buttery treats for ultimate comfort during the chilly season.

• Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies complement the soft Christmas peppermints nicely. Their spicy warmth contrasts beautifully with the coolness of the mints, creating a balanced holiday treat spread.

• Christmas Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples provides a colorful and healthy side option that brightens up your dessert table.

• Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an ideal pairing. The warmth of these beverages enhances the melt-in-your-mouth experience of the mints while providing a cozy atmosphere for sharing.

Enjoy crafting these Soft Christmas Peppermints this holiday season! Each bite will surely bring joy and warmth to your celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats without the last-minute rush. You can make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making your holiday season even sweeter.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• Layer parchment paper between mints if stacking them to prevent sticking.
• Avoid exposing them to heat or direct sunlight to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Place your mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen mints to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• These mints don’t require reheating, but if they’ve become too hard, let them sit out for about 15-30 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

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

Can I use a different flavor instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist on these mints.

How should I store my Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add other colors besides red food coloring?

Yes! Feel free to use any color of food coloring you prefer or create a swirl effect by not fully mixing in the coloring.

Are these mints gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making these mints suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) as much as I do! They’re not just treats; they carry the warmth of holiday cheer and nostalgia. Whether you’re gifting them or indulging yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy the process, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and love!