Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) Recipe

Introduction

Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Easy Butter Mints, are a festive treat that’s creamy, minty, and delightfully smooth. These homemade candies are simple to make and perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (more or less to taste)
• Red coloring gel (or food coloring)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your workspace by laying out parchment paper, waxed paper, or a baking mat. Keep extra powdered sugar nearby for rolling the dough if needed.
2. Step 2: Place room temperature butter in a large mixing bowl and beat it until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the bowl.
4. Step 4: Mix well until the dough reaches a firm consistency.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into two parts. Color one quarter with red coloring gel, leaving the remaining three quarters white. Shape each portion into balls and set aside.
6. Step 6: Roll small ropes from each dough color. Place a smaller red rope alongside a thicker white rope.
7. Step 7: Twist the red and white ropes together gently.
8. Step 8: Pinch off smaller sections and roll them between your palms to smooth out the ropes.
9. Step 9: Place the twisted ropes onto wax paper and allow them to dry.
10. Step 10: After about one to two hours, when the candy is less sticky, use a pizza cutter to cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces.
11. Step 11: Let the cut pieces dry completely by leaving them out for 24 hours.
12. Step 12: Store the fully dried candies in an airtight container. Refrigeration is optional.

Tips & Variations

• If the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle powdered sugar on your hands or work surface to make shaping easier.
• Adjust peppermint extract to your taste for a milder or stronger mint flavor.
• Try different food coloring for a variety of festive looks beyond the classic red and white.
• For a peppermint twist, add a few drops of vanilla extract alongside peppermint extract for added depth of flavor.

Storage

Store these soft peppermint candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. There’s no need to refrigerate, but if you prefer a cooler treat, storing them in the fridge is fine. When ready to serve, let refrigerated candies come to room temperature briefly to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but if needed, margarine can be used. Keep in mind the taste and consistency may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking?

Make sure to let the candy dry properly on wax or parchment paper. Using extra powdered sugar when rolling and shaping can also minimize stickiness.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) Recipe

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4.8 from 375 reviews

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are easy-to-make butter mints perfect for the holiday season. Made with butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, these colorful, twisted candies melt in your mouth with a refreshing peppermint flavor. They require no baking and are finished with a simple drying process, resulting in soft, creamy mints that delight both kids and adults.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes active plus 24 hours drying
• Yield: Approximately 60 small peppermint mints 1x
• Category: Confectionery
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• Red coloring gel or food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare workspace: Set up a clean work area lined with parchment paper, waxed paper, or a baking mat. Keep extra powdered sugar nearby to prevent sticking during rolling.
2. Beat butter: Place room temperature butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until it is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your candies.
3. Add ingredients: Mix in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract thoroughly until you achieve a firm dough consistency suitable for shaping.
4. Divide and color dough: Split the dough into two portions. Color one quarter of the dough with red coloring gel, leaving the remaining three quarters white. Form each into balls and set aside.
5. Form ropes: Roll the white and red dough portions into ropes; the white rope should be thicker, and the red rope smaller to create a festive contrast.
6. Twist ropes together: Place the smaller red rope alongside the thicker white rope and twist them gently to form peppermint-striped candy ropes.
7. Shape candies: Pinch off small sections from the twisted rope and roll between your palms to smooth and round out the pieces.
8. Dry the ropes: Lay the twisted ropes on wax paper and allow them to dry for 1 to 2 hours until they become less sticky and easier to cut.
9. Cut candies: After drying, use a pizza cutter to slice the ropes into individual peppermint pieces for serving.
10. Final drying: Leave the cut candies out for approximately 24 hours at room temperature to fully dry and firm up.
11. Storage: Store the fully dried candies in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration is optional but not necessary.

Notes

• If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands and work surface with powdered sugar to make shaping easier.
• Adjust the peppermint extract according to your taste preference for a stronger or milder mint flavor.
• Use gel-based food coloring to avoid altering dough consistency.
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Store candies at room temperature as refrigeration may affect the texture.

Keywords: Christmas mints, butter mints, peppermint candy, holiday candy, soft mints, no-bake candy, festive treats