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
Scale
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.
