Make your holiday season a little sweeter with Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. This delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candy is a holiday classic and easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving them as a festive treat or gifting them to friends, these butter mints are sure to spread cheer!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Butter Mints
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a nostalgic treat that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. Their light peppermint flavor, combined with a creamy and buttery texture, makes them a favorite for all ages. These mints are not only delicious but also beautiful, perfect for adding to holiday candy dishes or wrapping up as homemade holiday gifts.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible butter mints:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste)
- Red and green food coloring (optional, for festive colors)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Cream:
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix on low speed until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Flavor with Peppermint:
- Add the peppermint extract and continue mixing until the flavor is evenly distributed. Taste and add a bit more if you prefer a stronger minty flavor.
- Divide and Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion white, and color the other two portions with red and green food coloring. Mix until the colors are well blended.
- Form and Shape the Mints:
- Roll each colored dough portion into long ropes, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Use a knife or dough cutter to slice the ropes into small mint-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch each.
- Let the Mints Dry:
- Arrange the mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours to firm up.
- Store or Serve:
- Once dry, transfer the mints to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Butter Mints
- Experiment with Colors: While red and green are perfect for the holidays, you can customize your mints with other festive colors for different occasions.
- Add Vanilla: A few drops of vanilla extract can add a delightful twist to the traditional peppermint flavor.
- Get Creative with Shapes: Instead of cutting into squares, you can roll the dough into tiny balls or use small cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gift Boxes: Place the mints in small holiday tins or gift boxes for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
- Party Favors: Pack them in festive bags or mini mason jars for holiday party favors.
- Candy Bowls: Arrange them in candy dishes at your next holiday gathering for a colorful, edible decoration.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values per 1 serving (about 4-5 mints):
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 0g
Why Soft Christmas Peppermints are Perfect for the Holidays
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are not only delicious but also represent the nostalgia and comfort of classic holiday treats. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth mints can make any occasion feel a bit more magical. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these mints are a crowd-pleaser that anyone can enjoy, making them a must-have on your Christmas sweets list!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add a traditional touch to your holiday season, these Soft Christmas Peppermints, or Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a perfect choice. Easy to make, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, these mints add a festive pop of color and flavor to any holiday table. Give them a try, and spread the holiday cheer with every sweet bite!
Serving and Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints
Serving Tips
- Create a Festive Display: Place the mints in clear glass bowls or candy dishes to showcase the holiday colors. Sprinkle a few holiday sprinkles or edible glitter around them for extra sparkle.
- Add to Dessert Platters: Arrange the butter mints on a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies, fudge, and other holiday treats for a beautiful, varied display.
- Pair with Hot Beverages: These mints make a refreshing treat alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. Serve them in small dishes for guests to enjoy as an after-dinner refreshment.
- Gift Presentation: Fill small holiday tins, mason jars, or cellophane bags with the mints, then add a festive ribbon. These make thoughtful, homemade gifts that travel well.
Storage Tips
Shelf Life: Properly stored, butter mints can last up to 2 weeks, making them ideal for preparing in advance of holiday events or gift-giving.
Airtight Container: Store your butter mints in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh. This will also help prevent them from absorbing any other flavors.
Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their freshness and texture.
Refrigeration (Optional): If your home is particularly warm, you can store the mints in the refrigerator. However, this may firm them up a bit, so let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
1. Can I freeze butter mints for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze butter mints! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
2. What if my dough is too sticky to work with?
If the dough is too sticky, try adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Make sure to chill the dough briefly if it’s warm in your kitchen, as this will help firm it up for easier handling.
3. Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even lemon. Adjust the amount slightly depending on the strength of the extract, and taste as you go for the perfect balance.
4. How can I make the mints softer or firmer?
For a softer texture, add a bit more heavy cream to the dough, one teaspoon at a time. If you prefer firmer mints, reduce the heavy cream slightly. Drying the mints longer (closer to 24 hours) will also yield a firmer texture.
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 100 mints 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas peppermints are a delightful old-fashioned treat! Made with butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of peppermint, these creamy, buttery mints are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re lightly colored in festive shades to add holiday charm to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (plus extra if needed)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Food coloring (optional, red and green for festive colors)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract, and beat until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too stiff, add a bit more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency.
- Divide the dough into sections and add a drop or two of food coloring to each, kneading until evenly colored. (Use red and green for a festive look, or leave plain for a traditional white mint.)
- Roll small amounts of dough into small balls, about ½ inch in diameter, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press each ball down slightly, creating a pattern on top.
- Let the mints air-dry on the baking sheet at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight until firm to the touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Adjust the peppermint extract based on your preference for minty flavor.
- Air-drying time may vary based on humidity. Ensure they’re fully dry before storing.