There’s something magical about homemade Christmas treats, isn’t there? These Soft Christmas Peppermints, or Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, bring all the nostalgic holiday feels in one little bite. Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture? Check. A refreshing pop of peppermint? Double-check. Festive red-and-white swirls that make them look like tiny edible candy canes? Absolutely!
If you’ve never made butter mints before, don’t worry. This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. You only need a few simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Plus, it’s such a fun activity to do with kids or loved ones—rolling, twisting, and creating adorable little mints together is a memory waiting to happen.
I first fell in love with these mints during a holiday party at my grandmother’s house. She always had a tray of homemade candies sitting near the fireplace, and these buttery mints were always my favorite. Now, they’ve become a Christmas tradition in my family, too. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, gift them in a festive tin, or keep a stash for yourself (no judgment!), these mints are guaranteed to spread joy.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These mints are soft and buttery, with just the right amount of chew.
- Perfectly festive: The red-and-white marbled design makes them a gorgeous addition to any holiday dessert table.
- Customizable flavor: Love a stronger peppermint kick? You can easily adjust the peppermint extract to your liking.
- Kid-friendly fun: Rolling and twisting the dough is like playing with edible holiday playdough!
- No special equipment needed: A mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and your hands are all you need to make these delightful treats.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Drying Time: 24 hours (recommended for best results)
- Servings: About 50 bite-sized mints
- Calories per Mint: Approximately 35
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive butter mints:
- ½ cup butter, softened: The key to a rich, creamy base. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: This gives the mints their sweetness and structure. Sift it if you notice clumps.
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and helps the dough come together.
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show! Adjust based on how minty you want the flavor.
- Red gel food coloring: For that classic candy cane swirl. Gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t add extra moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Beat the Butter
Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until it’s fluffy and light—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Beating the butter properly is key to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Add the Rest
Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Start with the mixer on low to avoid a powdered sugar explosion, then increase the speed as the ingredients combine. The mixture will transition from crumbly to smooth and firm. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of cream (just a few drops at a time) until the dough is pliable but not sticky.
3. Divide and Color
Once the dough is ready, divide it into two portions:
- Leave about ¾ of the dough white.
- To the remaining ¼, add a small amount of red gel food coloring and knead it until the color is evenly distributed. A little goes a long way—start small and add more if needed.
4. Roll and Twist
Here comes the fun part! Working with small sections of dough:
- Roll the white and red dough into long, thin ropes (about the thickness of a pencil).
- Lay one white rope and one red rope side by side, and gently twist them together. The result is a beautiful marbled effect reminiscent of candy canes.
- Pinch off small sections (about ½ inch each) to form individual mints.
If you want more uniform pieces, you can roll the twisted ropes into a long log and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
5. Dry and Set
Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow air circulation. Let them air dry for 1-2 hours initially. For the best results, allow the mints to dry completely for a full 24 hours. This helps them firm up and develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve
Here are a few ways to enjoy and present these delightful mints:
- Holiday dessert table: Arrange them on a festive tray alongside cookies and chocolates.
- Gift-giving: Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.
- Post-dinner treat: Serve them in a small bowl as a refreshing palate cleanser after a meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the perfect dough consistency.
- Use gel food coloring: Liquid food coloring can make the dough too sticky. Gel works best for vibrant, even color.
- Adjust the peppermint: If you’re not a huge fan of peppermint, start with less extract and add more to taste.
- Twist with care: Be gentle when twisting the ropes to maintain the marbled effect without blending the colors completely.
- Dry fully: Patience is key! Letting the mints dry for 24 hours ensures they hold their shape and have that perfect texture.
Soft Christmas Peppermints Variations
While these mints are pretty perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste and occasion:
- Flavor twist: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile.
- Rainbow mints: Divide the dough into multiple portions and color each one with a different gel food coloring. Twist them together for a fun rainbow effect!
- Chocolate-dipped: Once the mints are dry, dip one end in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sprinkles: Roll the finished mints in festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a little extra sparkle.
Freezing and Storage
If you’ve made a big batch (smart move!), here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: Store the mints in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Freezing: Arrange the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These mints are perfect for making ahead since they need time to dry. Prepare them a day or two before your event for the best flavor and texture.
Q: What if my dough is too sticky?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm and manageable.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to avoid altering the sweetness, but if salted is all you have, reduce the salt in the recipe by half.
Q: How do I make them firmer faster?
While air drying is ideal, you can speed things up slightly by placing them in the fridge for a few hours.
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are like little bites of holiday magic. They’re festive, delicious, and full of nostalgia. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday traditions, just like it has for my family.
If you try them, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on social media and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Wishing you a holiday season full of sweetness, joy, and plenty of butter mints!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints – Easy Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
- Total Time: 24 hours (including drying time)
- Yield: About 50 bite-sized mints
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints with a festive red-and-white swirl. Perfect for holidays and gifting.
Ingredients
– ½ cup butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp heavy cream
– ¼ tsp peppermint extract
– Red gel food coloring
Instructions
1. Beat softened butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth.
3. Divide dough; color ¼ with red gel food coloring.
4. Roll and twist red and white dough into ropes, then pinch into bite-sized pieces.
5. Air dry for 1-2 hours or up to 24 hours for best texture.
Notes
– Use gel food coloring to avoid excess moisture.
– Adjust peppermint extract for your preferred mintiness.
– Let mints dry fully for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American