If you’ve been searching for a delightful holiday treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty, then you absolutely must try this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe. These little delights are soft, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint sweets with just the right touch of festive red and white swirls that make every bite feel like a warm hug during chilly winter days. They’re perfect for sharing with family, gifting to friends, or adding a cheerful touch to your holiday gatherings. Once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the holidays without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from bringing that creamy texture to delivering the refreshing peppermint flavor and the classic festive color that makes these treats so charming.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures the mints are soft and not crumbly.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture, giving the mints their smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream: Adds moisture and creaminess, balancing the texture perfectly.
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract: This ingredient is key for that unmistakable cool, minty flavor essential for the perfect Christmas peppermint.
- Red gel food coloring: To add that traditional pop of holiday cheer by coloring a portion of the dough beautifully red.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Begin by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because fluffy butter will incorporate air, leading to that soft, smooth texture we love in these mints.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Next, slowly add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix continuously until the mixture is smooth and firm, ensuring there are no lumps. This will create a dough-like consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Divide and Color Dough
Take your beautiful white dough and divide it so that about three-quarters remain plain white. The remaining quarter gets a festive makeover with red gel food coloring. Knead the color in gently until you have a vibrant red dough that’s ready to be twisted with the white for the signature look.
Step 4: Form the Mints
Roll each dough portion into thin ropes. Then, twist a red rope and white rope together, gently pinching off small pieces to form adorable peppermint shapes. This step is where your creative flair can really shine, and your mints begin to take their classic, inviting appearance.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Place your formed mints on a parchment-lined tray and let them air dry for 1 to 2 hours. After this initial drying, cut the pieces if desired, and then allow them to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. This patience pays off—your mints will firm up nicely but maintain that signature soft texture we all crave.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these soft peppermint treats, consider sprinkling a little extra crushed peppermint candy or finely chopped candy canes on top before the mints dry completely. This not only adds a lovely crunch but also intensifies the peppermint aroma, creating a sensory experience that delights both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Soft Christmas Peppermints pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even spiced mulled wine. Serving them alongside these drinks gives a cozy contrast between the softness of the mints and the warmth of the cup, making holiday moments even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your mints in festive jars tied with ribbons as charming gifts, or place them in small candy dishes at each place setting on your holiday table. You can also get playful by shaping the twisted ropes into candy cane shapes or wreaths before drying them for a fun and eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures they maintain their signature softness and peppermint flavor for up to two weeks, perfect for keeping the holiday spirit going.
Freezing
You can freeze these mints if you want to prepare well in advance. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once solid. When properly stored, they’ll keep for up to three months without losing that delightful soft texture.
Reheating
Since these are soft candies meant to be enjoyed as is, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if they happen to become too firm, simply bring them to room temperature for a bit before serving, and they’ll regain their lovely softness.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, but be cautious as peppermint oil is much more concentrated. Use only a drop or two to avoid overpowering the mints, as the extract offers a milder, more balanced flavor.
How long do these Soft Christmas Peppermints stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints stay deliciously fresh and soft for up to two weeks.
Is it possible to make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The red gel food coloring is only for festive appearance. Omitting it won’t affect the taste or texture, so feel free to enjoy your mints plain if you prefer.
Can I use a different flavor extract?
While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other extracts such as vanilla or almond. Just keep in mind that this will change the character of your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe.
What’s the secret to keeping these mints soft and not hard?
It’s all about the balance of butter, powdered sugar, and cream, along with letting them dry at room temperature instead of baking. Following the recipe and drying instructions closely will ensure that perfect soft texture.
Final Thoughts
Making these Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe treats is like crafting little festive bites of joy that remind us why the holidays are so special. They’re simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and appearance, making them a must-have on your holiday dessert table. I encourage you to give them a try, share with your loved ones, and create warm memories one peppermint at a time.
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 festive and delightful holiday treat made with buttery, creamy dough infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these soft candies combine classic peppermint taste with a tender texture, colored beautifully in red and white to complement the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes fluffy and light in texture, creating a smooth base for your peppermint dough.
- Add Ingredients: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and forms a firm dough.
- Divide and Color Dough: Separate the dough into two portions—leave about three-quarters of it white, and add red gel food coloring to the remaining quarter, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
- Form the Mints: Roll each colored dough portion into thin ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together, then pinch off small pieces to shape individual mints.
- Dry the Mints: Allow the formed mints to air dry for 1 to 2 hours to firm up slightly. Then, cut the ropes into smaller pieces if desired. Finally, let the mints dry uncovered for 24 hours before serving to achieve the perfect soft but set texture.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the dough’s consistency.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best mixing results.
- For stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops more peppermint extract if desired.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
- If dough is too sticky, chill briefly before rolling and twisting.
