Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not just candies; they are little bites of nostalgia that melt in your mouth. I remember making these with my family every year, and they always brought joy to our gatherings. Their creamy texture combined with the refreshing mint flavor makes them an instant favorite among friends and family.

These mints are perfect for various occasions—whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting a festive gathering. They also make delightful gifts wrapped up in pretty packaging. Trust me, once you share these, everyone will be asking for your recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen! Rolling these mints is a fun activity for the whole family.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these mints ahead of time, leaving you stress-free as the holidays approach.
• Deliciously Creamy: The buttery flavor combined with refreshing mint creates a delightful treat everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients. They are simple and wholesome, ensuring that you’re making something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Soft Christmas Peppermints:

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize your mints to suit your taste or occasion.

• Add Colorful Swirls: Mix in different food colorings to create fun patterns in your mints.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try substituting peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Make Them Festive: Roll them into holiday shapes using cookie cutters instead of traditional mints.
• Add Crunch: Fold in crushed candy canes for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

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

Step 1: Beat the Butter and Milk

In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is crucial because it creates a creamy base that will help your mints melt beautifully in your mouth. Make sure there are no lumps—smoothness is key!

Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavoring

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Incorporating these ingredients slowly helps prevent any mess, while also ensuring every bit is well combined. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come!

Step 3: Color Your Mints (Optional)

If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix until you achieve your desired shade. This adds a lovely visual appeal to your Soft Christmas Peppermints, making them even more enticing!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Using your hands, shape small portions of the mixture into balls or flattened discs. Roll each piece in granulated sugar for a lovely finish. This step not only adds sweetness but also keeps them from sticking together.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy!

Place your shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about an hour until firm. Chilling is essential; it allows them to hold their shape while enhancing their melt-in-your-mouth quality. Once set, enjoy them as delightful holiday treats or gift them to loved ones!

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are bound to become a cherished tradition in your home just as they have in mine!

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

Making these delightful mints can be a fun experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softening your butter to room temperature creates a smooth and creamy base, making it easier to blend with the other ingredients for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture helps avoid lumps, resulting in a smoother consistency and ensuring even distribution of sweetness throughout the mints.

• Adjust peppermint flavor: Start with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, but feel free to taste the mixture before rolling it into balls. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add more extract gradually until you reach your desired intensity.

• Chill if necessary: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to shape the mints without them sticking to your hands.

• Coat with granulated sugar: Rolling your mints in granulated sugar not only adds a delightful crunch but also prevents them from sticking together as they set. Plus, it gives them a lovely finish!

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

Presenting your homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints can add an extra touch of charm to any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ideas for showcasing these delightful treats!

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top not only adds color but also enhances the minty aroma, making each bite more refreshing.

• Candy Cane Crumbles: Sprinkle some crushed candy cane pieces around your serving platter for added festive flair and an extra crunch that complements the soft mints beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: Serve these mints alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the refreshing peppermint flavor, creating a cozy treat for chilly days.

• Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mints. The natural acidity of fruit balances the creamy texture nicely.

• Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or gouda can create an interesting sweet-and-savory combination when paired with these mints. The creaminess of cheese complements their rich buttery flavor.

• Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea, such as chai or cinnamon tea, makes for an inviting beverage pairing. The spices can enhance the overall flavor experience while providing warmth during festive gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Soft Christmas Peppermints will surely be a hit at any holiday celebration! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If they start to become sticky, you can dust them lightly with granulated sugar to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
• To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

• Reheating is not necessary for these mints; simply enjoy them as they are!
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can let them sit out for a bit before enjoying.

FAQs

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

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

While sweetened condensed milk adds a creaminess and sweetness that’s hard to replicate, you could try using whole milk with an extra tablespoon of sugar as a substitute. However, it may alter the texture slightly.

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 about one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I color my Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Absolutely! Adding red food coloring gives these mints a festive touch. Just be sure to mix well until you achieve your desired shade.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can substitute it with mint extract or even spearmint extract for a different flavor profile.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding other flavor extracts such as vanilla or almond. You could also mix in crushed candy canes for added texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints! They are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking and merry creating!