Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights by the fire, then you’re in for a real treat with these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). They are a cherished recipe in my home, especially during the festive season. The creamy, buttery texture combined with a refreshing mint flavor makes them irresistible! Whether you’re planning a holiday party or just want to indulge on a busy weeknight, these mints are sure to bring cheer to any occasion.

What makes these Soft Christmas Peppermints truly special is their melt-in-your-mouth quality. They are not only easy to make but also perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family. Plus, the vibrant red color adds a lovely touch to your holiday spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family Fun: Making mints together is an enjoyable activity for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Treat: You can prepare these mints in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the peppermint intensity to suit your taste or experiment with other flavors!
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them in pretty boxes or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative while making these delightful mints. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Color: Use different food coloring shades to create colorful mints for various occasions.
• Mix Flavors: Swap out peppermint extract for other extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavor profiles.
• Infuse with Spice: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your mints a warm, festive twist.
• Try Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape your mints into holiday-themed designs!

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your mints light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, mix in the sweetened condensed milk along with the peppermint extract and salt. Stir until everything is combined well. The sweetened condensed milk adds richness and creaminess that will make your mints melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Now it’s time to add the powdered sugar gradually. Mix until fully combined; this may take some elbow grease! The powdered sugar gives structure to the mints while keeping them soft.

Step 4: Color Your Mixture

If you want to add some festive flair, this is when you can stir in red food coloring. Just a few drops will do! Mix until you achieve your desired shade. Remember, it’s all about adding that cheerful holiday spirit!

Step 5: Shape Your Mints

Once everything is mixed well, dust your hands with granulated sugar and take small portions of dough. Roll them into balls or shape them into discs—whatever suits your fancy! Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Finally, let your shaped mints sit at room temperature for about an hour. This helps them firm up nicely so they maintain their shape when enjoyed.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)! Enjoy every creamy bite this holiday season!

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

Making these delightful mints can be a breeze with just a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar: By incorporating the powdered sugar slowly, you can better control the consistency of your mints, avoiding a grainy texture and helping achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Knead the dough gently: After mixing, kneading the dough lightly allows you to incorporate air and create a fluffy texture. Just be careful not to over-knead, or your mints may become too dense.
• Chill before rolling: Letting the mixture chill for about 30 minutes makes it easier to shape the mints. The cooler temperature helps prevent them from sticking to your hands as you form them into delightful little shapes.
• Experiment with colors and shapes: Feel free to get creative! Use different food coloring shades or molds to create fun shapes that suit your holiday themes.

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints make for a charming addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying some cozy time at home, here are some ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can add a pop of color and enhance the minty aroma, making your presentation even more inviting.
• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly dusting the platter with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch that mimics freshly fallen snow—perfect for a winter-themed gathering!

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich and comforting, hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these buttery mints. The combination of sweet chocolate and refreshing mint is sure to delight!
• Sugar cookies: Classic sugar cookies are a great accompaniment. Their soft texture complements the mints while allowing each treat’s unique flavor to shine through.
• Fruit platter: A vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and citrus adds freshness. The natural sweetness of fruit balances perfectly with the rich flavor of the mints.
• Cheese board: A selection of mild cheeses alongside nuts and dried fruits creates an elegant pairing that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppermint flavors.

With these serving suggestions, you’re set to enjoy and share your Soft Christmas Peppermints in style! They not only taste amazing but also bring an extra festive touch to your holiday festivities. Enjoy making memories this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful treat that can easily be made ahead of time, making them perfect for your holiday preparations. With just a little planning, you can ensure you have plenty of mints on hand for gifting or sharing with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will keep well for up to two weeks.
• For longer freshness, you can keep them in the refrigerator, which will extend their life by another week.

Freezing

• Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months—perfect for preparing for next year’s holiday season!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints; simply take them out of storage and enjoy!
• If they have become slightly hard during storage, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

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

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, you can swap it out for other extracts like spearmint or even vanilla for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) colorful?

To add color, simply mix in a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired shade. You can also create swirled effects by dividing the dough and coloring each portion differently before mixing.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Reducing sugar may affect the texture and taste since it’s essential for both sweetness and structure. However, you could experiment with sugar substitutes designed for baking if you’re looking to lower the sugar content.

How do I ensure my Soft Christmas Peppermints turn out soft?

Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. The key to softness lies in the ratio of butter to powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)! They are not only easy to whip up but also bring warmth and cheer during the festive season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these mints are bound to create sweet memories. Happy baking!