Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations. These mints are soft, creamy, and packed with a refreshing peppermint flavor. They make great gifts for friends and family or a sweet addition to your holiday spread.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is easy and fun. This recipe is perfect if you want to add a personal touch to your holiday treats. They are simple to prepare, require just a few ingredients, and look beautiful on any dessert table. Plus, the combination of creamy butter and mint makes them a favorite for many during the festive season.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Making these delicious mints is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Below are the steps to create your own batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Red gel food coloring

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy.
Slowly mix in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue to beat until the dough becomes firm and smooth.
Divide the dough into two parts. Leave 3/4 of the dough white and color the remaining 1/4 with red gel food coloring.
Roll small portions of each dough color into ropes and twist them together. Pinch off small sections to form mints.
Let the mints air dry for 1-2 hours, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Allow them to dry for 24 hours before serving.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

These mints can be served in various ways. You can place them in decorative candy dishes or wrap them in pretty boxes as gifts. They also make nice additions to holiday platters or as after-dinner mints. Their festive red and white colors are sure to brighten up any holiday gathering.

How to Store Soft Christmas Peppermints

To keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Tips to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors that won’t change the texture of the dough.
Don’t skip the air drying step; it helps the mints firm up and develop their texture.
You can experiment with different flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, for a twist on the classic mint.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can add crushed candy canes or chocolate chips to the mint dough for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
A: Yes, you can try using other flavored extracts like almond or vanilla for a different taste.

Q: How long do these mints last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze these mints?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Now that you have the recipe for Soft Christmas Peppermints, you can enjoy making and sharing this sweet treat during the holidays!