If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, look no further than these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). I remember making them with my family every year, and they always brought a warm smile to our faces. They are not just any candy; they melt in your mouth with a creamy, buttery flavor that dances with refreshing mint. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to indulge during cozy nights at home, these mints are sure to bring joy to everyone around.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of melt-in-your-mouth mints that are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. Plus, they add a charming touch to any holiday celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to rolling and coating these sweet treats.
Make Ahead: You can prepare these mints in advance and store them for weeks—if they last that long!
Customizable Colors: Add festive colors with food coloring to match your holiday theme.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery richness and refreshing mint creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful holiday treat!

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 wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up or cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations you can try:

Add Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate-mint twist.
Swap the Extract: Use spearmint or wintergreen extract for a different minty flavor.
Change the Color: Get creative with different food coloring shades for various holidays or themes.
Mix in Sprinkles: Roll the mints in festive sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for an extra touch of cheer.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is crucial as it creates a light and fluffy base for your mints. Make sure your butter is softened; this will help everything mix together smoothly without lumps.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt. It’s best to do this gradually to avoid clouds of powdered sugar! Mixing thoroughly ensures that every bite is perfectly flavored. If you’re adding food coloring, now’s the time to swirl it in until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 3: Shape the Mints

Once everything is well combined, use your hands to roll small balls from the mixture. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—this size is perfect for melting in your mouth! After shaping them, roll each ball in granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.

Step 4: Chill Out

Place your mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling helps them firm up nicely so they hold their shape when you serve them.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once chilled, these Soft Christmas Peppermints are ready to enjoy! Serve them at gatherings, pack them as gifts, or keep some at home for those sweet cravings during the holidays. Each bite will remind you of cozy moments spent with loved ones.

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

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is a delightful and simple process, and with these pro tips, you’ll create mints that are sure to impress!

Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Sift powdered sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps in your powdered sugar, making your mints smooth and easy to mold. A smooth consistency is key for those melt-in-your-mouth vibes!
Chill before shaping: If the mixture feels too soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes will make it easier to shape into perfect little mints.
Be generous with peppermint extract: A bit more extract can enhance the minty flavor without overpowering the sweetness. Trust your taste buds to find the right balance!
Experiment with colors: If you’re feeling festive, adding a few drops of red food coloring can create beautiful marbled patterns. It’s a fun way to make your mints extra special for the holidays!

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints can be presented in various charming ways, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion. Here are some ideas to help you showcase your delightful creations.

Garnishes

Sprigs of fresh mint: Adding small sprigs of fresh mint not only enhances visual appeal but also complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.
Dusting of cocoa powder: A light dusting can add an unexpected twist and sophistication to your mints, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Hot Cocoa: This classic winter drink is perfect alongside your soft mints. The rich and creamy chocolate pairs wonderfully with the refreshing peppermint.
Gingerbread cookies: The warm spices of gingerbread provide a delightful contrast to the cool mintiness of your candies, creating a balanced holiday treat experience.
Sugar cookies: Soft and sweet sugar cookies make an ideal companion; their buttery flavor complements the richness of your mints perfectly.
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors of both beverages and mints, offering a comforting treat during chilly holiday evenings.

Enjoy creating and sharing these lovely Soft Christmas Peppermints! They’re sure to bring joy and sweetness to everyone who tries them. Happy holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to get a head start on your holiday treats. You can easily make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the festive season or share them with loved ones.

Storing Leftovers

Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain freshness.
Enjoy within 2 weeks for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer the frozen mints to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These mints do not require reheating; simply enjoy them as is!
If they become too soft, refrigerate for about 15 minutes to firm up before serving.

FAQs

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

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like spearmint or even vanilla for a unique twist. Just keep the same quantity.

How do I achieve that signature softness in my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

To ensure they’re wonderfully soft, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Avoid overworking the dough after adding powdered sugar.

Can I add more color to my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring according to your preference. You can even create swirls by adding different colors!

Final Thoughts

I hope these Soft Christmas Peppermints bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations! They’re not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic reminder of cherished memories. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, sharing it with friends and family, and savoring each melt-in-your-mouth bite. Happy holidays!