Introduction
Christmas brings back memories of warm kitchens filled with delicious holiday treats, and these Soft Christmas Peppermints are the perfect nostalgic candy to brighten up your season! A classic favorite, these creamy butter mints have a smooth texture that melts in your mouth with a refreshing peppermint kick. They are wonderfully easy to make and are ideal for decorating your holiday table, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying as a family treat. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own batch of these traditional sweets — your guests will be asking for more!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust according to taste preference)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted to avoid lumps
- 1/4 tablespoon salt
- Red gel food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)
- Granulated sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Mix the Butter Base
Start by placing softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy and smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt into the butter mixture. Stir slowly, allowing the powdered sugar to absorb before adding more. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion white, and use red gel food coloring to tint the other half. Add a small amount of coloring at a time until you achieve the desired festive red shade. Knead the coloring into the dough until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Shape the Mints
Roll each portion of dough into a long, thin rope about 1/2 inch thick. Lay the red and white ropes side by side and twist them together to create a candy cane effect. Slice the twisted ropes into small pieces, forming cubes or rounds, as preferred.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the shaped mints in a single layer. Allow the mints to dry for at least 6 hours or, preferably, overnight. This step ensures the mints will have the right texture.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
For extra sparkle, roll each mint in granulated sugar. This step is optional but adds a festive and decorative touch to your butter mints, making them look even more like holiday treats.
Step 7: Store Properly
Transfer the mints to an airtight container once they are fully dry. Keep them at room temperature to maintain their soft texture.
COOKING Note:
- Be patient while allowing the mints to dry. The drying process is crucial to achieving the perfect texture.
- If you find the dough too sticky to handle, dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor, and adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder minty flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are versatile treats that add festive charm to any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Holiday Party Platters: Serve these soft mints alongside other Christmas treats like cookies and chocolates.
- Gift Bags: Pack a handful into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a perfect homemade gift.
- Hot Chocolate Garnish: Drop a few into a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a sweet peppermint twist.
- Dessert Table Decor: Use them as a delightful decoration for cakes, pies, or dessert tables.
Tips:
- Consistency Adjustment: If the dough is too soft, add more powdered sugar in small increments. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny splash of sweetened condensed milk.
- Color Variations: Feel free to use different food colorings to create a colorful batch of mints. Green, pink, and red are all popular Christmas colors.
- Storage Duration: These butter mints will keep well for up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- Easy Clean-Up: Lay down wax or parchment paper on your work surface when rolling and cutting the dough to make clean-up simple.
- Holiday Shapes: Instead of traditional cubes, use small holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the dough for added festivity.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 6 hours drying time (minimum)
Total Time:
- 6 hours and 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per piece):
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 0.3g
- Sodium: 10mg
Conclusion
These old-fashioned butter mints are an easy and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. Soft, sweet, and delightfully refreshing with a hint of peppermint, they make a wonderful addition to your Christmas traditions. Whether you’re looking to gift homemade candy or just want a nostalgic treat to share, these mints are sure to impress. Enjoy them with friends and family, and let the sweetness of the season fill your home!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints: Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust according to taste preference)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted to avoid lumps
- 1/4 tablespoon salt
- Red gel food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)
- Granulated sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Butter Base
Start by placing softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy and smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt into the butter mixture. Stir slowly, allowing the powdered sugar to absorb before adding more. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion white, and use red gel food coloring to tint the other half. Add a small amount of coloring at a time until you achieve the desired festive red shade. Knead the coloring into the dough until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Shape the Mints
Roll each portion of dough into a long, thin rope about 1/2 inch thick. Lay the red and white ropes side by side and twist them together to create a candy cane effect. Slice the twisted ropes into small pieces, forming cubes or rounds, as preferred.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the shaped mints in a single layer. Allow the mints to dry for at least 6 hours or, preferably, overnight. This step ensures the mints will have the right texture.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
For extra sparkle, roll each mint in granulated sugar. This step is optional but adds a festive and decorative touch to your butter mints, making them look even more like holiday treats.
Step 7: Store Properly
Transfer the mints to an airtight container once they are fully dry. Keep them at room temperature to maintain their soft texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours drying time (minimum)
Nutrition
- Calories: 50
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 0.3g