If you’re dreaming of a delightfully festive treat that’s easy to make and so irresistibly soft, then this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is about to become your new holiday obsession. These cheerful red and white swirled candies are perfect for sharing around the tree or gifting to friends, bringing an instant burst of holiday spirit with every melt-in-your-mouth bite. Not only do they look stunning, but their buttery, creamy texture combined with a refreshing peppermint punch makes them a true crowd-pleaser during the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple cupboard ingredients is all you need to create these charming Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe treats. Each ingredient plays a special role: butter for richness, powdered sugar for sweetness and structure, heavy whipping cream for that creamy softness, peppermint extract for festive flavor, and red gel food coloring to make those iconic stripes pop.
- ½ cup butter, softened: The base of your peppermint dough, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the candies hold their shape once set.
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream: Keeps the mixture moist and perfectly soft without being sticky.
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract: Infuses every bite with the refreshing, classic holiday peppermint taste.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives those festive mints their iconic red swirl, without altering the texture.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s wonderfully fluffy and light. This step is crucial because the air incorporated here helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s so essential to this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Next, slowly blend in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Take your time to mix everything until the dough is smooth and firm, but still pliable. The consistency should be just right to roll and twist without cracking.
Step 3: Divide and Color Dough
Divide the dough into two portions: keep about three-quarters white and add red gel food coloring to the remaining one-quarter. Knead the red dough thoroughly so the color is vibrant and evenly distributed—this contrast will bring your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe to life.
Step 4: Form the Mints
Roll each portion of dough into thin ropes, then twist one red rope with one white rope together gently to create that classic peppermint swirl effect. Pinch off small pieces from the twisted ropes to form individual candies. This hands-on step is fun and satisfying — a perfect holiday activity!
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Set the formed mints aside to air dry for 1 to 2 hours to become firm enough to cut cleanly. Then slice them into small, uniform pieces. Allow them to dry on a tray for 24 hours before serving, which ensures they hold their shape beautifully and have the perfect soft texture upon eating.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
These peppermint candies shine on their own, but for a festive twist, try dusting them lightly with a bit of powdered sugar or even edible glitter. A small sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top can add extra crunch and color contrast — perfect for impressing guests!
Side Dishes
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or a warm cup of spiced apple cider. The cool, creamy peppermint flavor balances beautifully with warm holiday beverages, making it a harmonious treat after a cozy winter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your friends and family, package these mints in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, or arrange them in charming holiday tins. They also make adorable edible gift toppers when tied to presents. Presentation really elevates this festive candy and makes giving them extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers from this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two weeks, making it easy to snack on your festive treats well after the initial celebration.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the mints in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When stored like this, they maintain their great texture for several months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
These soft mints don’t require reheating, but if they feel a bit firm after storage, letting them sit out for a few minutes brings back their signature softness. Avoid applying heat, as it may melt the candies and ruin their texture.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Peppermint oil is much stronger than extract, so if you decide to use it, go very light—just a drop or two—to avoid overpowering the mints. The extract provides a gentler, more balanced peppermint flavor ideal for this recipe.
Why do the mints need to dry for 24 hours?
The 24-hour drying period allows the mints to firm up nicely without becoming hard like traditional peppermint candies. This drying step creates that perfect soft texture while helping them keep their shape during handling.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more subtle look or want to avoid artificial colors, you can skip the red gel coloring. The white peppermint mints are just as tasty and charming while being simpler in appearance.
What is the best way to twist the ropes for even stripes?
Roll your ropes to equal thickness before twisting, and twist gently but firmly. This ensures the colors stay distinct without mixing too much, creating those classic peppermint swirls that make the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe so visually appealing.
How long do these mints keep their softness?
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, the mints retain their soft texture for about two weeks. After that, they may become a bit firmer but still make a delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is such a rewarding holiday experience—easy to prepare and wonderfully festive to share. Once you try these melt-in-your-mouth candies, they’ll quickly become a holiday staple in your kitchen and a favorite gift to spread joy and sweetness during the most wonderful time of year. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends to help, and enjoy the magic of homemade peppermint bliss!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints are festive, melt-in-your-mouth candies perfect for holiday gatherings. These peppermint-flavored sweets combine a creamy butter base with a refreshing peppermint extract, twisted into charming red and white ropes. They require no baking, simply mix, twist, and let dry to achieve the perfect soft texture that melts on your tongue.
Ingredients
Soft Peppermint Base
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
Coloring
- Red gel food coloring, enough to color ¼ of the dough
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until it becomes fluffy and light in texture, creating a smooth base for the peppermint dough.
- Add Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into the fluffy butter. Mix continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a firm dough.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into two portions—leave about three-quarters of the dough white and add red gel food coloring to the remaining quarter. Knead the coloring into the dough evenly until you have a vibrant red portion.
- Form the Mints: Roll each colored portion into long, thin ropes. Twist the white and red ropes together gently, and then pinch off small pieces from the twisted ropes to create individual peppermint mints.
- Dry the Mints: Place the formed mints on a flat surface and let them air dry for 1 to 2 hours. After the initial drying, cut the twisted ropes into smaller peppermint pieces. Allow these cut mints to dry uncovered for 24 hours to achieve the ideal soft but set texture before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the dough consistency.
- Allow ample drying time for proper texture and handling.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- These mints do not require refrigeration.
