Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that brings back fond memories, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not just any candies; they’re a sweet reminder of simpler times and joyful celebrations. I remember making these mints with my family every holiday season, and the aroma of mint wafting through the kitchen always filled our hearts with joy.

These mints are incredibly versatile too! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, packing up some gifts for friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these Soft Christmas Peppermints are sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful mints in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love their creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead: Prepare them in advance and keep them stored for whenever you need a sweet treat or gift.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the color or flavor to suit your taste or occasion.
• Nostalgic treat: These mints evoke cherished memories of holiday gatherings and special moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it easy to get started on this delightful recipe.

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 parts about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and adapt these mints to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Add a twist: Try using different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique flavor experience.
• Make them festive: Incorporate green food coloring along with red for a fun holiday appearance!
• Include some zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest for a citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with mint.
• Change up the shape: Use different molds to create fun shapes for various occasions—think hearts for Valentine’s Day!

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until it’s nice and smooth. This step is crucial as it creates the rich, creamy base that makes these mints so melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing. This will help prevent any sugar clouds from forming in your kitchen! The goal here is to achieve a soft dough-like consistency—this is what will allow us to shape our mints perfectly.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to add the peppermint extract along with a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the sweetness while also balancing out the flavors. If you want, mix in some red food coloring at this point for that classic holiday look!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Once your mixture is well combined, take small portions and roll them into balls or flatten them slightly for cute little discs. Don’t worry about perfection—part of their charm is their homemade feel!

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Finally, roll each mint in granulated sugar before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This dusting adds an extra touch of sweetness and prevents them from sticking together.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Allow your mints to sit at room temperature for about an hour until they firm up nicely. This step is essential as it helps them hold their shape when enjoyed later.

And there you have it! Homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) that will surely become a beloved tradition in your home! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with family and friends during this joyous season.

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

Creating the perfect batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with softened butter makes it easier to blend into a creamy mixture, ensuring your mints are smooth and melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture helps eliminate lumps, resulting in a silky texture that enhances the overall experience of these treats.

• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the mint flavor, making your candies taste even more delicious.

• Experiment with color: Adding red food coloring can give your mints a festive touch, but feel free to get creative! You can swirl different colors together for a fun visual effect.

• Let them rest: Allowing the mints to set for an hour helps them firm up properly. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect soft yet structured candy texture.

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

These delightful mints are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how you can serve them during your festive gatherings!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: Add a pop of color and freshness by placing a few mint leaves on your serving platter. It complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.

• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a sophisticated touch to your mints while introducing an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, warm flavors of hot cocoa create a cozy atmosphere and pair perfectly with these refreshing mints.

• Sugar cookies: Soft sugar cookies offer a classic holiday treat that contrasts nicely with the coolness of the peppermint candies, making for an enjoyable combination.

• Fruit platter: A vibrant fruit platter adds freshness and color to your dessert table. Seasonal fruits like berries or citrus can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet mints.

• Cheese board: An assortment of mild cheeses paired with nuts and dried fruits offers a savory option that beautifully complements the sweet, creamy flavor of your butter mints.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your friends and family this holiday season! Enjoy making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints and watch them disappear from your tables in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delightful to make, but they also store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to prevent stickiness.

Freezing

• Lay the mints out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm.
• Transfer the mints to a freezer-safe container or bag for longer storage, where they can last up to three months.

Reheating

• These mints are best enjoyed straight from the container, but if they become too firm after freezing:
• Let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Avoid reheating them in the microwave as it may alter their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints).

Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like spearmint or even vanilla for a unique twist. Just be careful with the quantity, as some extracts can be stronger than others.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If frozen, they can last for about three months.

What should I do if my mints are too sticky?

If your mints turn out sticky, try mixing in a little more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. You can also coat them lightly with granulated sugar to help reduce stickiness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints! They’re not just candies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that bring warmth and joy during the holiday season. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them for yourself, they’re sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Happy cooking and happy holidays!