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
Scale
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.
