Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1470 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature); 1 pinch Salt (adjust if necessary); 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (high quality for best flavor); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted before use); 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk (for richer texture); as needed Gel Food Coloring (for vibrant color); optional Sprinkles/Edible Glitter (for decoration)

The scent of peppermint swirling through the air instantly transports me back to cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter and sweet treats blend seamlessly. One of the highlights of those festive moments was always the Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. These creamy, no-bake delights melt in your mouth with a refreshing burst of flavor, making them an irresistible treat for all. Not only are they simple to make with just a few ingredients, but they also allow for delightful customization with colors and flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or gifting them in festive boxes, these mints carry the warmth of nostalgia and the joy of homemade goodness. Ready to embrace the holiday spirit with these delicious mints? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Mints So Special?

Creamy Goodness: The texture is incredibly rich and melts in your mouth, reminiscent of a soft buttercream, making every bite a delightful experience.

No Bake Delight: This easy recipe requires no baking, allowing you to whip up these treats effortlessly, perfect for busy holiday schedules!

Customization: With vibrant gel food coloring and optional flavor variations, you can tailor these mints to fit any festive occasion.

Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Ideal for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to loved ones, these mints bring a nostalgic touch to any dessert table.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them weeks in advance and simply store them to ensure they’re ready whenever the festive spirit strikes!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients

For the Mint Base

Unsalted Butter – Provides creaminess and richness; ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; skip or reduce if needed.
Peppermint Extract – The primary flavoring agent that gives the mints their signature taste; opt for high-quality for the best impact.
Powdered Sugar – Acts as the main sweetener and thickening agent, creating a moldable texture; always sift before incorporating to avoid lumps.
Heavy Cream or Milk – Adds moisture and creaminess to the mix; choose cream for a richer texture.

For Color and Decoration

Gel Food Coloring – Used for vibrant coloration of the mints without affecting texture; choose food-safe gel over liquids for best results.
Optional Sprinkles/Edible Glitter – For added festive decoration, these can be rolled on the mints before drying.

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with a personal touch!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the softened unsalted butter and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is essential for achieving a creamy texture. Once fully whipped, it should appear pale in color and have a smooth consistency, ready to blend further ingredients.

Step 2: Flavor the Mixture
Next, add in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a pinch of salt to the whipped butter, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to enhance creaminess. Continue beating for another minute until the mixture is well-combined and fragrant, creating a delightful base for your Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar to the mixing bowl, one cup at a time, on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase the mixer speed to medium after each addition, mixing until a thick dough-like consistency forms. The dough should be pliable and smooth, allowing you to shape it easily for your festive mints.

Step 4: Coloring Dough
Divide the dough into portions based on how many colors you’d like to use. Add gel food coloring to each portion, kneading with your hands until the color is evenly distributed. Aim for vibrant shades that resonate with the holiday spirit. The dough should remain soft and malleable, perfect for molding your Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Step 5: Shape Mints
Using silicone molds, press the colored dough firmly to fill each cavity. Alternatively, roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly, ensuring they maintain uniform shapes. Place the molds on a baking sheet for stability. If you’re using the molds, refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to help achieve cleaner edges when demolding.

Step 6: Air Dry
Carefully remove the mints from the molds and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Allow them to air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. This crucial drying time ensures your Soft Christmas Peppermints develop a slightly hardened exterior that retains their melt-in-your-mouth inside.

Step 7: Storage
Once the mints are dried and ready, transfer them to an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper for easy separation. Store them at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness. Enjoy your delightful homemade treats within two weeks to ensure their optimal flavor and texture, perfect for sharing during the festive season!

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for better mixing. Cold butter will result in a lumpy texture.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Always sift powdered sugar before adding it to avoid lumps in your dough. This keeps your Soft Christmas Peppermints smooth and creamy.
Control Peppermint Intensity: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste—more extract for a stronger flavor, or less for a subtle hint.
Use Gel Colors: Stick to food-grade gel colors instead of liquid dyes to maintain the texture of your mints. Liquid can make the dough too sticky.
Optimal Drying Time: Allow the mints to dry at least 24 hours for a firmer outer shell that enhances shelf life and keeps them looking beautiful.

What to Serve with Melting Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Indulging in the rich, creamy bliss of these delightful mints can be even more enjoyable with the right pairings to create a festive atmosphere.

Rich Hot Chocolate: A classic holiday drink that pairs beautifully with the minty freshness, offering a comforting warmth with every sip.
Fluffy Meringue Cookies: These light and airy bites contrast perfectly with the creamy texture of the mints, adding a delicate crunch.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy slices of oranges and berries provide a refreshing balance, cutting through the sweetness while adding vibrant colors to your spread.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy sweetness brings a lovely harmony with the peppermint flavor, evoking nostalgic holiday memories.
Minty Iced Tea: Enhance the peppermint experience with a chilled tea infused with mint leaves, creating a refreshing sip that’s perfect for gatherings.
Cheesecake Bites: Creamy and decadent, the rich flavors interplay beautifully, making these mints an elegant finishing touch to your dessert table.
Dark Chocolate Truffles: The slight bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the mints, making for a sophisticated combination.
Holiday Mulled Wine: Warm spices blend wonderfully with the refreshing notes of peppermint, making it a festive drink to share with loved ones.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch paired with rich chocolate can create a delightful contrast to the softness of the mints.
Eggnog: This festive, creamy drink adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the peppermint’s refreshing notes, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you put your personal spin on these delightful mints!

Flavor Twist: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or even coconut for a unique taste. Each variation brings a new layer of holiday cheer!
Color Palette: Use a mix of colors to create a stunning display. Think red and green for classic Christmas vibes, or pastel hues for a softer look. The possibilities are endless!
Crunch Factor: Roll your mints in crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or festive edible glitter for added texture and a visual treat. This little detail creates a delightful crunch with every bite.
Heat Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to your mint mixture for a surprising kick that elevates the traditional flavor into something more adventurous. This is perfect for those who love a little heat!
Sugar-Free Option: Swap out powdered sugar for a sugar alternative like erythritol or another favorite to create lower-sugar mints while still enjoying the same creamy goodness. Your health-conscious friends will thank you!
Festive Shapes: Instead of traditional mints, mold your dough into holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters. Think stars, trees, or candy canes—making them even more special for gifting!
Chocolate-Dipped Delight: Dip half of your mints into melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent touch that blends perfectly with the peppermint flavor. This twist will surely impress everyone!
Mocha Mint: Incorporate a teaspoon of instant coffee or cocoa powder with the peppermint extract for a delightful mocha flavor. A refreshing take that’s perfect for coffee lovers!

These variations open a world of flavor and creativity, inviting you to make every batch truly special! Consider these delightful options as you craft your Soft Christmas Peppermints and enjoy the joy of sharing them during the holiday season.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Additionally, the shaped mints can be air-dried and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. To maintain their melt-in-your-mouth quality, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply take them out, and enjoy their delightful flavor and texture—just as delicious as if made fresh! This way, you can easily enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush.

How to Store and Freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints

Airtight Container: Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, to prevent them from sticking together and to keep them fresh.

Room Temperature: These mints can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for holiday gifting and sharing.

Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, your mints can be refrigerated, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to avoid moisture.

Freezing: If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the Soft Christmas Peppermints for about 2-3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my butter is the right consistency?
Absolutely! The butter should be softened to room temperature, meaning it should feel slightly cool and yield easily when pressed with a finger. It should not be melty; rather, it should be creamy and spreadable, which allows for better incorporation with other ingredients.

What’s the best way to store my mints?
I recommend placing your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. At room temperature, they can last for up to 2 weeks, but refrigerating them keeps them fresh for about a month. Just ensure the container is sealed tightly.

Can I freeze my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Definitely! If you want to make these festive treats ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just let them cool completely once dried, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers for protection. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

What if my mints are too sticky to shape?
If your dough seems too sticky to mold into shapes, don’t worry! This can happen if the humidity is high or if too much cream was added. Try adding a little more sifted powdered sugar to the dough, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. If you still face issues, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes can help firm it up.

Are these mints safe for pets or people with dietary restrictions?
While Soft Christmas Peppermints are safe for most people, they contain sugar and peppermint extract, which aren’t ideal for pets. It’s wise to keep these treats away from your furry friends. If you’re accommodating individuals with dietary restrictions, consider using alternative sweeteners or ensuring no one has allergies to the specific ingredients used. Always consult dietary needs before sharing!