Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
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.
- 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
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (plus extra if needed)
- ½ 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.