Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to sweeten your holiday gatherings, these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are just the thing! With their creamy texture and refreshing minty flavor, they melt in your mouth and are sure to bring back fond memories of festive times. These mints make the perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays, and they’re also wonderful for gifting to friends and family.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a little something sweet during a busy weeknight, these mints come together effortlessly. Plus, they add a charming touch to any holiday spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The preparation takes just 10 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up in pretty bags or boxes to share with loved ones—everyone loves homemade treats!
• Customizable Colors: Add a splash of red food coloring for a fun festive look. You can tailor them to fit your holiday decor!
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy base that’s simply irresistible.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, making these mints an enjoyable project for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in creating that deliciously smooth texture and delightful flavor.

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and try out some fun variations.

• Add Different Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Make Them Colorful: Use different colors of food coloring to create pastel or vibrant mints suitable for any occasion.
• Try Different Shapes: Instead of traditional rounds, use cookie cutters to make festive shapes like stars or trees.
• Coat in Chocolate: Dip the finished mints in melted dairy-free chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, making sure it’s soft but not melted. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that will help give your mints that light, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, add in the sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient adds richness and sweetness that balances the mint flavor perfectly. Beat until smooth—this should only take a minute or two.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, along with the peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Be patient here; it might seem too dry at first, but keep mixing until it all comes together into a dough-like consistency.

Step 4: Color Your Mints

If you decide to use red food coloring, now’s the time! Add just a few drops and knead the mixture gently until you achieve your desired shade. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; every batch will have its own charm!

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Dust your hands with granulated sugar (this helps prevent sticking), then roll small amounts of dough into balls or whatever shapes you like. Place them on parchment paper as you go along.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Finally, allow your mints to set at room temperature for about an hour. This will help them hold their shape while providing that lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality we all adore.

And there you have it! A batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) ready to delight everyone around you this holiday season. Enjoy each delicious bite!

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

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter – This helps the butter mix smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a creamier texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sift powdered sugar – Sifting is key to avoiding lumps and ensures that your mints have a silky finish. Plus, it makes mixing much easier!
• Adjust peppermint extract to taste – If you love minty flavors, feel free to add a touch more peppermint extract. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
• Chill before shaping – Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and shape into delightful little mints without sticking.
• Coat in granulated sugar – Rolling the mints in granulated sugar not only adds a lovely crunch but also helps prevent them from sticking together.

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for sharing during festive occasions. Here are some delightful ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprigs of fresh mint – A small sprig adds a splash of color and enhances the minty theme of your treat.
• Chocolate drizzle – A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can elevate their look and flavor, creating a beautiful contrast with the white mints.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa – A warm cup of rich hot cocoa complements the refreshing mint flavor beautifully, making for a cozy pairing during cold evenings.
• Tea or herbal infusions – A nice peppermint tea or chamomile infusion can be soothing and harmonizes well with the sweetness of the mints.
• Cheese platter – A variety of cheeses like brie or aged cheddar can provide a savory balance to the sweet and creamy mints, creating an interesting contrast on your dessert table.
• Fruit platter – Fresh fruits such as strawberries, apples, or citrus can add brightness and freshness, making your spread vibrant while cutting through the sweetness of the mints.

Enjoy making these delightful treats! They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing them to be a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations or gifts.

Storing Leftovers

• Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• If it’s warm, consider refrigerating them to maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, layer the mints between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• These mints don’t require reheating. Simply allow them to come to room temperature if they’ve been stored in the fridge or freezer before enjoying!

FAQs

Have questions about making these delightful mints? Here are some common inquiries.

What are Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies flavored with peppermint. They’re perfect for the holiday season!

Can I use a different flavor instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate mint if you prefer a different taste. Just keep the same measurement.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these mints last up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

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 spread cheer and warmth. Whether you share them with friends or savor them alone, these mints are guaranteed to bring smiles. Happy candy-making, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!