Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season, look no further than these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it brings back memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends, where laughter and sweet treats filled the air. These mints are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings.

The creamy butter base combined with refreshing mint creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these mints add a joyful touch to any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these soft mints—they’re perfect for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these mints ahead of time and store them for when guests arrive.
• Customizable Colors: Add food coloring to match your holiday theme or personal preference.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a cute box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create those soft, buttery mints we all love!

For the Mints

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors and colors. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Different Extracts: Swap out peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Try Different Colors: Use green food coloring instead of red for a festive look or mix colors for fun patterns.
• Incorporate Sprinkles: Roll the mints in colorful sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for an extra festive touch.
• Make Them Mini: Shape the mints into smaller bites for a fun, bite-sized treat.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Milk

Start by combining the softened unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend them until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it forms the rich base of your mints that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavor

Next, gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. This step ensures each mint is packed with flavor while maintaining that soft texture we crave.

Step 3: Color Your Mixture (Optional)

If you’d like to add some festivity to your mints, now’s the time to incorporate red food coloring. Start with just a few drops and mix until you reach your desired shade. Remember, it’s all about making these treats visually appealing!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Dust your hands with granulated sugar to prevent sticking, then take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into discs. Place them on wax paper-lined trays as you go. This step is where you can get creative—feel free to make them any size you like!

Step 5: Let Them Set

Once shaped, allow the mints to sit at room temperature for about an hour so they can firm up nicely. This helps develop their melt-in-your-mouth texture and makes them easier to handle later on.

Step 6: Enjoy!

After they’ve set, your Soft Christmas Peppermints are ready! Serve them at your holiday gatherings or package them up as gifts. Either way, I know they’ll be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, and with a few pro tips, you’ll have the perfect batch every time!

• Use softened butter: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature makes it easier to cream with the sweetened condensed milk, leading to a smoother texture in your mints.

• Sift the powdered sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures the sugar incorporates more evenly into the mixture, resulting in a creamy consistency that melts beautifully in your mouth.

• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness, making each mint taste even more delicious.

• Chill before shaping: If your mixture feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into uniform balls without sticking to your hands.

• Coat in granulated sugar: Rolling your mints in granulated sugar not only adds a nice finish but also helps prevent them from sticking together once they set.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just tasty; they’re also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully can enhance their festive charm and make them a hit at gatherings.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on each serving plate adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the mints perfectly.
• Cocoa powder dusting: A light dusting of cocoa powder around your mints can create an elegant presentation that pairs nicely with chocolate desserts.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, warm flavors of hot cocoa pair wonderfully with these mints, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Gingerbread cookies: The spicy notes of gingerbread provide a lovely contrast to the coolness of peppermint, making for an enjoyable holiday dessert spread.
• Christmas fruitcake: The dense, fruity texture of fruitcake contrasts nicely with the soft creaminess of these mints; together they offer an array of flavors sure to please everyone.
• Cheese platter: An assortment of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the mints while providing a sophisticated touch to any holiday gathering.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer with your homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends or keeping them as festive treats just for yourself. Happy candy-making!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these sweet treats throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity for optimal freshness.
• They should stay good for about 2 weeks, but I bet they won’t last that long!

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints; they are best enjoyed at room temperature!
• If they’ve been frozen, simply let them sit out for about 30 minutes before indulging.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Can I use different flavor extracts instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint gives these mints their classic holiday flavor, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.

How do I make these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) more colorful?

To add color, simply mix in a few drops of red food coloring while combining your ingredients. You can create swirls by not mixing it completely!

What’s the best way to gift Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Consider placing them in festive tins or small jars tied with cheerful ribbons. This makes for a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While sugar is essential for texture and sweetness, you could try reducing it slightly or using a powdered sugar alternative. Just keep in mind it may alter the final product’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints! They’re not just candies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that spread holiday cheer. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself. Happy candy-making!