Name: Soft Christmas Peppermints That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (fresh); 1-2 teaspoons Peppermint Extract (adjust to taste); 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (optional; can substitute with milk)

Walking through the festive aisles at my local market, I spotted those iconic red and white striped candies and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Nothing says holiday cheer quite like Soft Christmas Peppermints—those delightful no-bake butter mints that have graced many family gatherings over the years. With their creamy texture and refreshing mintiness, they are not only a delicious treat, but also a perfect addition to your holiday gift baskets or dessert platters. This simple recipe allows you to create these melt-in-your-mouth mints without any fuss, making it a hassle-free way to spread joy and warmth during the season. So, are you ready to whip up this festive delight and create some sweet memories?

Why are Soft Christmas Peppermints irresistible?

Simplicity at Its Best: This no-bake recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint creates an unforgettable experience.

Versatile Holiday Treat: Ideal for gift baskets or as a party favor, these mints cater to any festive occasion!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Everyone will love these delightful confections; they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite!

Emotionally Resonant: Reminiscent of family traditions, making these mints helps connect you with joyous holiday memories. Don’t forget to pair them with other festive goodies like Christmas Peppermint Pie for a complete treat experience!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients

For the Mints

Unsalted Butter – A key player for richness, make sure it’s softened to blend perfectly.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the mix while providing structure; opt for fresh for the best results.
Peppermint Extract – Imparts that essential minty flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
Heavy Cream (optional) – A whisk of cream creates an even softer texture; milk can work in place of cream if needed.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, begin by combining 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 4 cups of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. You should notice a light texture forming, indicating it’s ready for the next step.

Step 2: Add the Peppermint Extract
Next, gradually mix in 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract, tasting as you go to adjust the flavor to your preference. Continue to blend for an additional minute until well combined, ensuring the peppermint flavor permeates the creamy mixture. The dough will begin to thicken slightly, making it easier to handle.

Step 3: Shape the Mints
Once your mixture is well blended, use a small scoop or your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Alternatively, you can press the mixture into candy molds for a decorative touch. Place the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to maintain their beautiful forms.

Step 4: Chill to Firm
Refrigerate the shaped mints for about 30 minutes, or until they firm up. This chilling process not only allows the flavors of your Soft Christmas Peppermints to develop, but it also ensures they hold their shape when served. After 30 minutes, check that they are firm to the touch before enjoying!

Step 5: Serve or Store
After chilling, your Soft Christmas Peppermints are ready to be served! Place them on a festive platter, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delightful texture. These mints can be made ahead of time and will last up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts.

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints

Indulging in these buttery treats evokes the spirit of the season, making it effortless to create a heartfelt celebration.

Festive Holiday Cookies: These mints pair beautifully with a variety of cookies, providing a delightful contrast between soft and crunchy textures. Imagine a plate of gingerbread men alongside your mints, inviting guests to mix and match!
Rich Hot Cocoa: A warming cup of hot cocoa complements the refreshing mintiness of the mints, creating a cozy treat for chilly nights. The chocolatey richness and peppermint elevate each sip, making it a perfect pairing for holiday gatherings.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream softens the mints’ flavor, offering a refreshing balance that feels indulgent—perfect for a sweet ending to any festive meal!
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Lightly sweet and tart fruits like strawberries or oranges dipped in chocolate enhance the flavors of the mints eloquently. The contrasting textures and flavors harmonize beautifully, creating a vibrant dessert spread!
Chewy Caramel Treats: The gooey sweetness of caramels contrasts wonderfully with the soft, minty freshness. Their textures and flavors bring variety to your holiday dessert platter, welcoming everyone to indulge!
Spiced Mulled Wine: This aromatic beverage warms the heart and heightens the festive mood. Its spices mingle nicely with the minty essence of the mints, offering a delightful and sophisticated beverage pairing.
Zesty Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars cuts through the sweetness of the mints, providing a refreshing palate cleanser. Together, they create an exciting combination that brightens the festive table.
Ginger Ale or Sparkling Water: Gently bubbly drinks cleanse the palate between bites and can be served with festive flair. The lightness and effervescence are perfect complements to the richness of the mints.

Creating a thriving dessert table is simple when you incorporate these delicious accompaniments!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, keeping it tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. To maintain their delightful texture and flavor, shape the mints and chill them for about 30 minutes before serving. If you happen to have leftovers, these mints can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take them out and serve—your guests will savor the same melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Room Temperature: Store mints in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Fridge: For maximum shelf life, keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This helps them retain their delightful texture and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead of time, these mints can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating: For best flavor, serve them chilled directly from the fridge; avoid reheating as it may change their lovely buttery texture.

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Butter Matters: Use unsalted butter that’s truly softened. Cold butter can lead to a lumpy texture; the goal is a creamy blend!

• Taste as You Go: Adjust peppermint extract gradually for a balanced flavor. Start small to avoid overpowering mintiness that can detract from your soft Christmas peppermints.

• Chill Efficiently: Full chilling is key! If your mints aren’t firm enough after 30 minutes, give them a little longer; this ensures they’ll hold their shape beautifully.

• Keep It Cool: Working in a cool environment helps prevent the mints from becoming too soft. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the mixture briefly before shaping.

• Don’t Rush the Shape: Be patient when shaping your mints. Taking your time ensures a uniform size and a lovely presentation on your holiday platter!

Soft Christmas Peppermints: Delicious Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Soft Christmas Peppermints to make them even more special during the festive season!

Colorful Mints: Add a drop of food coloring to the mixture to create vibrant, festive mints that brighten up any holiday platter. Think of how joyous they’ll look against other treats.
Chocolate-Dipped: After refrigeration, dip each mint in melted dark or white chocolate for a luxurious touch. The contrast of minty freshness and chocolatey richness is nothing short of heavenly.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the mixture for added texture and flavor. This unexpected crunch can elevate the candy experience, making them even more enjoyable for nut lovers.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond to add a unique twist to your mints. These flavors combine beautifully with peppermint and can create a delightful new taste.
Spicy Peppermints: For those who enjoy a bit of zest, include a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a spicy kick. The heat complements the sweetness and can create a festive conversation starter.
Sugar-Free Alternative: Swap powdered sugar for a sugar-free version using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to accommodate those watching their sugar intake. They’ll still be a hit while being mindful of dietary needs!
Mini Mints: Instead of standard-sized mints, try making mini versions for a bite-sized treat. Smaller mints are ideal for adding to your holiday gift baskets alongside other goodies, like Christmas Coffee Spiced drinks.
Coconut Flavored: Mix in a small amount of coconut extract or finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with peppermint, creating a unique holiday confection.

Embrace the festive spirit and creativity with these variations, and watch as your Soft Christmas Peppermints charm everyone around you, just like a batch of Christmas Maraschino Cherry treats!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right unsalted butter for my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality unsalted butter that is fresh and well within its expiration date. Ideally, it should be soft to the touch but not melted. If you notice any discoloration or a sour smell, it’s best to pass on that purchase. Fresh butter typically leads to a smoother and creamier texture in your mints.

What’s the best way to store Soft Christmas Peppermints?
To keep your mints fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them maintain their delightful texture for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making them for an upcoming event, you can even prepare them ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.

Can I freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Very! If you want to enjoy these festive mints later, they freeze beautifully. Place your mints on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before indulging.

What should I do if my mints are too soft?
If you find your Soft Christmas Peppermints are too soft, it may be because of a warm working environment or butter that’s not softened properly. Don’t fret! Simply return them to the refrigerator and let them chill for another 30 minutes or until they hold their shape well. Additionally, ensure you’re using properly softened butter rather than melted to avoid a gooier texture.

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, definitely! These mints are vegetarian but contain dairy from the butter and optional heavy cream. If anyone has a dairy allergy, consider substituting with a non-dairy butter alternative. However, be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure safety for those with allergies.