Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the perfect holiday treat! These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints are infused with a subtle peppermint flavor, making them a festive and delicious addition to any celebration. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, looking for a homemade gift, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these old-fashioned mints are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with vibrant holiday colors. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these mints are a nostalgic favorite everyone will love.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Food coloring (red, green, or any colors of your choice for holiday fun)
Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Directions:
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed until well combined.
Add Cream and Peppermint Extract: Pour in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, continuing to mix until the dough forms a smooth, pliable consistency. If the dough seems too dry, add a little extra cream to reach the desired texture.
Color the Dough: Divide the dough into separate portions and add food coloring to each, kneading until the colors are fully incorporated.
Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into small logs, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Roll in Sugar (Optional): For a little extra sweetness and texture, roll each mint in granulated sugar before arranging them on a baking sheet.
Dry the Mints: Allow the mints to air-dry for 1-2 hours, letting them set and harden.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: These mints look great when arranged in decorative bowls, candy jars, or festive holiday containers. Add a few sprigs of holly or a ribbon for an extra touch of charm when serving at a party or gathering.
Pair with Drinks: These buttery mints pair wonderfully with hot chocolate, coffee, or a cup of warm tea. They also make an excellent addition to dessert tables or as a sweet accompaniment to your holiday meal.
Holiday Gift: Packaged in a clear jar with a ribbon or in small gift boxes, these mints make an ideal homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers during the holiday season.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store the mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for preparing in advance for holiday events or gifts.
Refrigeration: If you need them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their soft texture.
Freezing: You can also freeze these mints for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture for these mints, you can substitute margarine in a pinch. However, the mints may not be as rich and creamy as when made with butter.
Can I make these mints in advance?
Yes! These mints can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them for up to 3-4 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if needed.
Can I adjust the peppermint flavor to make the mints more or less minty?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less than 1/2 teaspoon. For a stronger peppermint kick, feel free to add a bit more extract.
How can I store leftover mints after making them?
Store any leftover mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 3-4 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion:
These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are a festive and delightful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. With their creamy texture and subtle peppermint flavor, they make a great gift or addition to any dessert table. Easy to make and customizable, these mints will quickly become a holiday favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 50 mints
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints with a subtle peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a festive treat to enjoy at home, these old-fashioned butter mints are easy to make and can be customized with vibrant holiday colors. With simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these mints are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Prepare them in just 20 minutes and let them set for an hour for a delightful homemade treat!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Food coloring (red, green, or any color you prefer)
Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter and mix on low speed until well combined.
- Mix in Cream and Extract: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add more cream as needed.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions and knead food coloring into each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into logs, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional): For a little extra sweetness, roll the mints in granulated sugar.
- Dry the Mints: Arrange the mints on a baking sheet and let them air-dry for 1-2 hours to set.
Notes
Customizing Flavors: You can adjust the peppermint extract to your taste if you prefer a stronger or milder mint flavor.
Coloring Ideas: Use red, green, or any color combination that fits your holiday theme. You can also add a little shimmer by sprinkling edible glitter on top after they dry.
Storage Tips: These mints can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerated for up to 3-4 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Drying Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Christmas Candy Holiday Treats Homemade Sweets
- Method: No-Bake (Air-Dried)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 50 mints
- Calories: 30 kcal
