Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Introduction
Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday gatherings. These festive candies combine creamy butter and refreshing peppermint for a nostalgic flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Beat the mixture until it forms a firm and smooth dough.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two portions—leave about three-quarters of it plain and color the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring.
- Step 4: Roll small amounts of each colored dough into ropes, then twist one rope of each color together. Pinch or cut off small sections to form individual mints.
- Step 5: Allow the twisted ropes to air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly.
- Step 6: Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces and let the mints dry and set at room temperature for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the sweetness.
- You can experiment with other gel food coloring to create different festive color combinations.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly to make it easier to handle and shape.
Storage
Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause them to sweat. If they soften over time, simply let them sit in a dry spot to regain firmness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or other flavor extracts to create new variations of these butter mints.
How long does it take for the mints to dry properly?
Allowing the mints to dry for 24 hours helps them firm up and hold their shape. This drying time is essential for the best texture and appearance.
PrintSoft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a classic holiday treat featuring a smooth, buttery texture infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. They’re easy to make, with a delightful twist of red and white colors that make them perfect for festive gift-giving or holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 day 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 mints 1x
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy, which will help create the smooth texture of the mints.
- Add the Rest: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the beaten butter. Continue beating until the dough becomes firm and smooth, perfect for shaping.
- Divide and Color: Separate the dough into two parts—keep about three-quarters of it white, and color the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring, blending well to get a vibrant red shade.
- Roll and Twist: Roll small portions of each dough color into thin ropes. Twist one white rope with one red rope gently together, then pinch off small sections to form individual peppermint mints.
- Dry and Set: Lay the twisted mints on a parchment-lined tray and let them air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly. Then, cut the twisted ropes into bite-sized pieces. Let the mints dry uncovered for 24 hours to set properly and develop their characteristic soft but solid texture.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract according to your flavor preference; a little goes a long way.
- Using gel food coloring helps prevent the dough from becoming too wet or sticky.
- Letting the mints dry thoroughly is key to achieving the ideal texture.
- Store the finished mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- These mints are naturally gluten-free but contain dairy, so they are not vegan or dairy-free.
Keywords: Christmas mints, butter mints, peppermint candies, holiday treats, old-fashioned mints, soft peppermint mints
