There is something truly magical about making and sharing Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe during the holiday season. These nostalgic little treats are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a refreshing burst of peppermint. They bring a delightful touch of old-fashioned charm to any festive gathering, making them perfect for gift-giving or simply enjoying alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa. With their beautiful colors and simple ingredients, these mints are sure to become a holiday tradition you treasure year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in crafting these luscious mints. From creamy butter to the delicate peppermint extract, everything works together to produce that perfect balance of smooth texture, sweetness, and festive flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these mints wonderfully soft.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Adds sweetness and helps create the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons, plus more if needed): Keeps the mixture smooth and pliable so it’s easy to shape.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a refreshing peppermint flavor that’s holiday-perfect.
- Food coloring: Allows you to customize your mints with festive reds, greens, or any color you love.
- Granulated sugar (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and extra sparkle when rolling the finished mints.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it gives the butter a fluffy texture that will help blend in the sugar evenly for that silky mint consistency.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift and add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed. This slow addition ensures you don’t get a sugar cloud, and it helps the sugar and butter come together smoothly without lumps. The mixture will start to thicken and take on that classic buttery mint look.
Step 3: Mix in Cream and Extract
Pour in the heavy cream along with the peppermint extract and continue mixing until the dough turns smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, don’t hesitate to add a little more cream—it’s all about achieving the perfect soft, workable texture that’s easy to shape.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into portions depending on how many colors you want to create. Knead food coloring into each piece until the color is fully mixed in. This step instantly makes the mints festive and fun, letting you customize them for any holiday theme or party palette.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Here’s where the magic really happens! Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into logs and cut into bite-sized pieces. This hands-on step is incredibly satisfying, and the shapes can be as simple or as creative as you wish. The soft dough makes shaping deliciously easy.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar (Optional)
If you want to add a little sparkle and texture, roll your mints gently in granulated sugar. This extra step gives each mint a subtle crunch and a beautiful frosted appearance that looks like tiny holiday jewels.
Step 7: Dry the Mints
Arrange the shaped mints on a baking sheet and allow them to air-dry for 1 to 2 hours. This waiting time helps the mints set perfectly, ensuring they hold their shape and develop just the right finish for serving or packaging.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these charming Soft Christmas Peppermints calls for thoughtful garnishes that enhance their festive vibe. A sprinkle of extra granulated sugar or a few crushed candy canes nearby adds texture and holiday flair. You might also consider pairing them with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green that complements the peppermint flavor.
Side Dishes
These buttery mints pair beautifully with a warm beverage such as rich hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog. Their cool peppermint bite contrasts perfectly with the warmth and sweetness of these drinks, making them a wonderful finish to holiday meals or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with Soft Christmas Peppermints! Package them in small glass jars tied with ribbon or nestled in decorative tins as charming gifts. For parties, arrange them on a festive platter with holiday-themed cupcake liners or scatter some crushed peppermint candy underneath for an extra festive touch everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These mints keep wonderfully well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their soft, buttery texture and vibrant colors.
Freezing
If you want to make these Soft Christmas Peppermints well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—no need to rush, they come back just as soft and flavorful.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these mints since they’re best served chilled or at room temperature. However, if you find they’ve gotten a bit firm, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes will bring back their tender, buttery feel.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, peppermint oil is a more concentrated flavor, so use it sparingly—about half the amount called for by extract—to avoid overpowering the mints. It will still deliver that refreshing holiday taste wonderfully.
What if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, dust your hands with powdered sugar while shaping, or chill the dough briefly. Adding a bit more powdered sugar can also help balance the moisture without losing softness.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Absolutely! The mints will still taste amazing without food coloring and have a lovely creamy white appearance. Coloring is mainly for festive presentation but not necessary for flavor.
How long do these mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Soft Christmas Peppermints can last up to two weeks. Their texture and flavor remain delightful for this duration, making them perfect for holiday preparations.
Can I experiment with other flavors?
Definitely! While peppermint is classic, you can swap the peppermint extract for other flavors like almond, vanilla, or lemon to suit your mood or occasion. Just remember to adjust the quantity since some extracts are stronger than others.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a timeless and delicious treat to your holiday celebrations, the Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is an absolute must-try. They are easy to make, customizable, and offer that nostalgic flavor that brings joy to every bite. Trust me, once these melt on your tongue, you’ll understand why they’ve been a holiday favorite for generations!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a classic holiday treat that melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, these colorful, creamy mints are perfect for gift-giving or enjoying as a festive sweet throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
Main 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
Optional
- Food coloring (red, green, or any preferred color)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy to form the base of your mint dough.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed until the mixture is well combined and forms a crumbly dough.
- Mix in Cream and Extract: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the dough, mixing until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, continue adding heavy cream in small amounts to achieve the right consistency.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions based on the number of colors you want, then knead your chosen food coloring into each portion evenly to create vibrant mints.
- Shape the Mints: Roll each colored dough portion into small balls or logs. If logs are made, cut them into bite-sized pieces for a perfect mint size.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional): For extra sweetness and a slight crunch, roll the shaped mints in granulated sugar if desired.
- Dry the Mints: Arrange the mints on a baking sheet and allow them to air-dry for 1 to 2 hours. This step helps the mints set and develop their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is adequately softened to ensure smooth mixing and pliable dough.
- If the dough is too sticky to shape, chill it for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
- Use sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the dough.
- The drying time can be extended for firmer mints if preferred.
- Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
- Food coloring is optional and can be omitted for classic white mints.
