If you’ve ever wished for a candy that captures the essence of holiday cheer with its delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is your new best friend. These charming little pillows of peppermint-flavored joy are not only a festive treat to make but also a nostalgic nod to classic holiday confections. They bring together creamy butter, sweet powdered sugar, and refreshing peppermint in a simple, no-bake recipe that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying anytime you want a soft, minty escape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of pantry staples that each play a crucial role in making these mints irresistibly soft, creamy, and flavorful. From butter’s richness to the peppermint’s cool punch, every ingredient elevates the final bite.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Provides the creamy, smooth base that gives the mints their signature softness and rich flavor.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Powdered sugar, 4 cups sifted: Sweetens and creates the structure with its fine texture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Heavy cream, 2 tablespoons: Adds moisture and creaminess, helping reach the perfect dough consistency.
- Peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Brings that classic cooling peppermint flavor everyone loves at Christmas time.
- Gel food coloring (red, green, or desired colors): Allows you to customize the mints for festive flair without altering the texture.
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling: Keeps your work surface and candies from sticking while maintaining that soft coating.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Salt
Start by beating the softened butter with salt until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is essential because it creates the perfect creamy base that will hold the sugar and flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Gradually Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, beginning at a low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar everywhere, then crank it up. This slow integration helps the sugar combine thoroughly, resulting in a silky, stiff dough that’s not too dry or sticky.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream and Peppermint Extract
Pour in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, then beat the mixture until smooth and stiff. This step balances moisture and flavor, giving your mints that luxurious, soft texture paired with refreshing peppermint aroma.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Separate the dough into portions depending on how many colors you want. Knead in gel food coloring until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed—a fun step that makes the process festive and visually exciting.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll each colored portion into ropes about 1/2 inch thick, then slice into small, pillow-shaped pieces using a knife or bench scraper. This quaint shape adds charm and makes them irresistible to pop in your mouth.
Step 6: Let Them Dry
Place the mints on parchment-lined trays and allow them to air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours. This drying time is key to forming a delicate, firm exterior that gives way to a soft, buttery center—exactly what makes the Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe so special.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Garnishes
For a dazzling presentation, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or finely crushed candy canes on top of the mints before they dry. This adds sparkle and a hint of crunch, making them perfect for holiday dessert tables or gift boxes.
Side Dishes
Serve these soft peppermint mints alongside a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea to complement their cool, buttery sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with rich desserts like chocolate yule log or fruitcake, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap small batches in cellophane tied with festive ribbons for homemade holiday gifts. You can also arrange them in glass jars layered by color to create a vibrant, edible centerpiece that invites guests to indulge throughout the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your mints have dried completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday parties or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe fresh even longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their signature soft texture.
Reheating
These delightful old-fashioned butter mints don’t require reheating since their charm lies in their cool, soft consistency. However, if they become too firm, simply let them sit at room temperature for a short while to regain their tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use flavor extracts other than peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is the traditional choice, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts to create unique variations. Just keep the quantities similar to maintain the right balance of flavor.
What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels sticky, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it’s workable. This is a common adjustment and helps ensure your mints hold their shape without becoming tough.
How long do these mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints last up to three weeks. Their texture and flavor hold up well, making them a wonderful treat to prepare well in advance.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional recipes rely on butter and heavy cream, but you can experiment with plant-based butter and coconut cream. Just note the texture and flavor might vary slightly from the classic Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe.
Why do the mints need to dry for so long?
The drying process forms the perfect outer shell while keeping the inside soft and creamy. It allows excess moisture to evaporate, giving the mints their trademark texture that’s both tender and able to hold shape.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe offers a truly delightful way to celebrate the season with a taste that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Easy to make and endlessly charming, these mints bring classic holiday spirit right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved tradition you’ll look forward to every year.
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 8 dozen mints
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies flavored with peppermint extract. These festive treats feature a smooth, buttery texture and can be colored in holiday-themed shades, perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional Ingredients
- Gel food coloring (red, green, or desired colors)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and salt until creamy and smooth, creating a rich base for your mints.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, starting slowly to avoid dust clouds, then increase the speed of mixing as the ingredients start to come together into a dough.
- Incorporate Cream and Peppermint Extract: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the mixture and beat until a smooth, stiff dough forms, ensuring the mints have a creamy texture and strong peppermint flavor.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into portions according to how many colors you want. Knead gel food coloring into each portion until evenly colored.
- Shape the Mints: Lightly dust a working surface with powdered sugar. Roll each colored portion into thin ropes about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into small pillow-shaped pieces using a knife or bench scraper.
- Dry Mints: Transfer the mints to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or until the outside is firm but the inside remains soft.
- Store Properly: Once dried, store the mints in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- These mints can be made weeks in advance and stored in a cool, dry place.
- For a festive look, use holiday-themed food colors and mix several batches.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it firms up.
- Ensure mints dry long enough for the right texture—firm outside and soft inside.
