If you have a soft spot for nostalgic holiday treats, you are going to adore this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe. These charming little morsels boast that melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a refreshing peppermint punch, wrapped in a festive red and white twist. Perfectly buttery and smooth, they bring back the magic of Christmases past and make a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or gift basket. Trust me, once you make them, these mints will become a beloved tradition you’ll want to revisit year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about this Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect minty treat, giving you that classic old-fashioned texture and flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): The base that provides rich creaminess and helps the mints hold their shape.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Gives sweetness and that smooth, velvety feel essential to butter mints.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and creaminess, making the dough soft and workable.
- Peppermint extract (¼ tsp): The star flavor that brings the refreshing peppermint kick; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
- Red gel food coloring: For that iconic festive swirl, making your mints look as joyful as they taste.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Beat the Butter
Start by ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Beat it in a large mixing bowl until it turns fluffy and pale, creating a light, airy base that will help the mints dissolve smoothly.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Slowly add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into the fluffy butter, mixing steadily. This step requires a bit of patience as the dough thickens and smooths out into a firm yet pliable consistency perfect for shaping.
Step 3: Separate and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions: keep about three-quarters plain white, and tint the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring. This contrast will give your mints their classic Christmas swirl, making them visually festive.
Step 4: Twist and Shape the Mints
Roll small portions of the white and red dough into thin ropes. Twist the ropes together gently to form that signature peppermint candy look. Then, pinch off bite-sized pieces with your fingers—each mint is a little work of art!
Step 5: Dry and Set the Mints
Let your freshly shaped mints air dry for 1 to 2 hours to firm up slightly. Then, cut them into smaller pieces if desired. Allow them to dry completely for about 24 hours before serving to achieve the perfect texture that’s soft yet holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
Garnishes
Spruce up your presentation by arranging the mints on a pretty holiday platter sprinkled with crushed candy canes or edible glitter. The little extra sparkle adds an inviting touch that makes these treats irresistible at any festive table.
Side Dishes
These mints are typically enjoyed solo as a minty finish after a meal, but they also pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of eggnog, hot cocoa, or even a robust coffee. They provide a refreshing palate cleanse and a sweet note to conclude your holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, wrap clusters of the mints in cellophane tied with a red and white ribbon. Alternatively, place them in small mason jars or holiday tins labeled with festive tags. These thoughtful presentations elevate your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe into charming gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover mints fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it easy to prepare them well in advance of your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can freeze these butter mints. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
Unlike baked goods, these mints don’t require reheating. They’re ready to enjoy straight out of storage or after thawing. Their soft, buttery texture remains perfectly intact without any additional heat.
FAQs
Can I use another flavor extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional and festive, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon to create unique butter mint flavors that suit your taste.
Why do my mints become too hard or dry?
If your mints dry out too much, it’s often due to over-drying or storing them uncovered. Ensure they air dry just the recommended time and store them airtight to maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How long does it take for the mints to dry completely?
The drying process usually takes about 24 hours for the mints to firm up nicely without becoming hard. Patience here makes all the difference in enjoying the perfect texture.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Yes! The food coloring adds a festive touch but isn’t necessary for taste. You can leave them all white or try natural colorings like beet juice if you prefer a more natural option.
What is the best method to shape the mints if I don’t like twisting ropes?
If twisting ropes feels tricky, you can also roll the dough flat and cut out small circles or use silicone molds. The key is keeping the consistency firm yet pliable for easy shaping.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe is truly a timeless holiday treasure. It’s simple enough to make with your kids and beautiful enough to impress your guests. Give it a try and watch as these little peppermint delights bring warmth, sweetness, and a sense of cozy tradition to your holiday celebrations.
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes active plus 24 hours drying time
- Yield: Approx. 24 mints
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat featuring a smooth, creamy texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor. They combine the richness of butter and cream with the sweetness of powdered sugar, colored festively with red gel food coloring. Perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings, these mints melt in your mouth and brighten any Christmas celebration.
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 until it becomes fluffy and light in texture, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Mix in remaining ingredients: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue beating until the mixture forms a firm, smooth dough that can be shaped.
- Divide and color dough: Split the dough into two portions; keep approximately three-quarters of the dough white. Add red gel food coloring to the remaining quarter and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Form twisted ropes: Roll out small amounts of each colored dough into thin ropes. Twist a white rope and a red rope together gently to create a candy cane effect. Pinch off small sections from the twisted ropes to form individual mints.
- Air dry and cut: Lay the twisted ropes flat and let them air dry for 1 to 2 hours to firm up slightly. Then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Final drying: Arrange the cut mints on a tray and allow them to dry uncovered for 24 hours so they firm up to the perfect soft consistency before serving.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract according to your taste preference, starting with less if preferred milder flavor.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid to the dough, which can affect consistency.
- Allowing full drying time is critical to achieving the traditional soft, yet set texture of these butter mints.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, extend drying time slightly but avoid drying out completely.
