If you have a soft spot for nostalgic holiday treats, you’re in for a real delight with this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth little morsels blend the creamy richness of butter with the bright, refreshing zing of peppermint, wrapped up in a charming red and white twist. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply nibbling by the fire, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into soft, festive candies that feel like a warm hug in every bite. With just a bit of patience and love, you can whip up a batch that will become an instant holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe requires a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role to create that delicate texture and classic peppermint flavor. From the creamy butter to the smooth powdered sugar, every component comes together in perfect harmony to deliver those soft, festive treats.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Provides the rich, smooth base that makes the mints so soft and luscious.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the mints while giving them that powdery, delicate texture.
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream: Adds moisture and creaminess for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract: Infuses the mints with the unmistakable cool and refreshing peppermint flavor.
- Red gel food coloring: Creates that classic candy cane look when paired with the white dough.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This step is so important because it incorporates air into your base, ensuring your mints turn out soft and creamy rather than dense.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Next, slowly add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to your butter. Mix carefully until the mixture becomes smooth yet firm enough to handle. This balance creates the perfect texture—soft but sturdy enough to shape.
Step 3: Divide and Color Dough
Now, split your dough into two parts. Keep about three quarters of it white and tint the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring. This classic red and white combo brings that unmistakable festive look to your mints.
Step 4: Form the Mints
Roll each dough portion into thin ropes then twist them together, mimicking a candy cane swirl. Pinch off small pieces from your twisted ropes to form your peppermint shapes. This hands-on step is where your batch really starts to take shape and feel like a holiday treat.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Let your formed mints air dry for 1 to 2 hours, which helps them hold their shape before cutting. Then, cut into small pieces and set aside to dry for 24 hours. This drying time is key to achieving that characteristic soft bite and subtle firmness you expect from perfect Christmas peppermint candies.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your soft Christmas peppermints sprinkled with a touch of crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive finish. A little sparkle with edible glitter can also add a magical shimmer perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair these mints alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a robust cup of coffee to amp up your cozy holiday moments. They also make a charming companion to buttery shortbread or gingerbread cookies, rounding out a delightful Christmas dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe in clear glass jars with red and white ribbons for gifting. Or arrange them on decorative holiday plates surrounded by pine sprigs and tiny ornaments for a centerpiece that doubles as edible décor. Gift boxes and cellophane bags tied with twine make perfect party favors bursting with festive cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their softness and flavor beautifully for up to two weeks, making them great to prepare in advance for holiday parties or last-minute gifts.
Freezing
You can freeze these mints by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When properly wrapped, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
These mints are best enjoyed as is, without reheating, to preserve their soft, creamy texture. If they feel slightly firm after chilling or freezing, simply letting them sit at room temperature for a while will bring back that melt-in-your-mouth delight.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even citrus to create your own signature soft Christmas peppermint variations.
Why do the mints need to dry for 24 hours?
The drying period allows them to firm up just enough on the outside while remaining tender inside. This step prevents them from becoming sticky and helps maintain their shape and texture during handling and serving.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it produces more vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the dough. Regular liquid coloring might make the dough too wet, so use gels for best results.
How long will these mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your soft mints will stay fresh and tasty for about two weeks, perfect for holiday parties or gifting during the season.
Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?
The heavy whipping cream adds essential moisture and richness, contributing to the soft texture. Using milk or lighter cream might affect the fudge-like consistency, so stick to heavy cream for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is like inviting a little holiday magic into your kitchen. These charming, soft peppermint treats bring so much joy with each bite and are sure to brighten your festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the warmth they bring with your loved ones this season!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat that combines creamy butter, sweet powdered sugar, and refreshing peppermint flavor. Twisted together in festive red and white ropes, these mints are perfect for sharing or decorating your holiday tables. They require minimal baking skills and dry naturally, allowing for easy preparation and irresistibly soft texture.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
Coloring
- Red gel food coloring (enough to color ¼ of the dough)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes fluffy, creating a light base for the peppermint dough.
- Add Ingredients: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and firm in consistency.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Leave three-quarters of the dough white, and color the remaining one-quarter red using the gel food coloring, ensuring the color is evenly distributed.
- Form the Mints: Roll each portion of dough into thin ropes. Twist the white and red ropes together tightly and then pinch off small pieces to form individual mints.
- Dry the Mints: Allow the formed mints to air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly. Then cut into smaller pieces if desired. Lay the mints out and let them dry for a full 24 hours before serving to ensure they set properly.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without adding extra liquid to the dough.
- Allowing the mints to dry for 24 hours ensures they will hold their shape and have a pleasant soft texture.
- Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, consider adding an extra 1/8 tsp peppermint extract.
- If dough is too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling and twisting.
