There’s something magical about homemade holiday treats that instantly brings comfort and joy, especially when they’re as soft and delicious as these Christmas peppermints. This soft Christmas peppermints recipe is perfect for creating festive homemade candy that melts gently in your mouth and captures the spirit of the season.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these tender, minty treats that are great for sharing with friends and family or gifting in pretty packages. Let’s dive into making your holidays sweeter with this delightful candy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that’s gentle on your teeth but packed with peppermint flavor.
- Simple stovetop preparation with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or decorating dessert tables.
- Customizable peppermint intensity to suit your taste.
- Made without artificial colors or preservatives for a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make approximately 30 soft Christmas peppermints.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Red food coloring (optional, a few drops for festive swirls)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 30 candies
- Calories: Approximately 40 per peppermint
How to Make Ultimate Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe – Festive Homemade Candy Digital PDF Download – Etsy –…
- Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, salt, and cream of tartar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then clip a candy thermometer to the pan and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (soft ball stage), about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes, then stir in peppermint and vanilla extracts. If using red food coloring, add a few drops now and swirl gently for a festive marbled look.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased marble slab or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool until it is cool enough to handle but still pliable, about 10 minutes.
- Knead the candy a few times to incorporate the coloring and aerate slightly, then stretch and fold repeatedly until the candy becomes glossy and opaque, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pull the candy into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces using a greased knife.
- Roll each piece into a ball and lightly dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Let the candies rest for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving or packaging.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure you reach the correct temperature for soft peppermints.
- Work quickly when pulling the candy, as it hardens fast once it cools.
- If you don’t have a marble slab, a metal baking sheet chilled in the freezer works well.
- Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while shaping the candies.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place to keep them soft and fresh.
Storage and Reheating
Store your soft Christmas peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keeping them away from humidity will maintain their soft texture and peppermint flavor.
If your candies harden slightly over time, warm them gently in your hands or leave them in a slightly warm room for a few minutes before serving to bring back their softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavor extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for Christmas peppermints, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts to create unique holiday candies.
Why are my peppermints hard instead of soft?
This usually happens if the candy is cooked past the soft ball stage. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully and cook only until 245°F for soft, chewy peppermints.
How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?
Lightly dust the finished candies with powdered sugar and store them in an airtight container with some parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Can I make these peppermints without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the candy soft. You can try substituting with an equal amount of light honey or glucose syrup, but results may vary.
