Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a nostalgic holiday treat. With a rich buttery base and a delicate peppermint flavor, they are smooth, sweet, and literally melt in your mouth. Perfect for candy dishes, gift jars, or holiday dessert platters, these mints are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

They’re vegetarian and gluten-free, making them an inclusive treat for all your holiday guests. Despite their elegant appearance, these mints are surprisingly simple to make at home, giving you full control over flavor, sweetness, and color.

Ingredients and Their Importance

• 4 cups powdered sugar – The base of the mints. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a silky, smooth texture essential for the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the mints while balancing the buttery richness.
• 1 tsp peppermint extract – Infuses the mints with a classic holiday peppermint flavor that’s fresh and aromatic.
• Food coloring (red) – Optional, but perfect for creating festive, visually appealing mints. Adjust color intensity to your preference.
• Butter – Provides richness, tenderness, and a creamy base that allows the mints to set with the perfect texture.
• Heavy cream or milk – Helps bind the sugar and butter into a workable dough, ensuring the mints are soft but firm enough to shape.
• Optional flavor variations – You can experiment with vanilla, almond, or other extracts for a twist on the classic peppermint flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal. Measure all ingredients precisely. Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth texture for the final candy.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. Proper creaming incorporates air, which contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Mix in the peppermint extract thoroughly. If using food coloring, add a few drops and knead gently until evenly distributed. This ensures each mint is uniformly flavored and vibrantly colored.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll into 1-inch balls or shape into traditional mint shapes with your hands or a mold. Place the shaped mints onto the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Let Mints Set

Allow the mints to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until firm. For faster results, refrigerate briefly. Once set, the mints will hold their shape but remain soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Why These Peppermints Are Loved

These mints are cherished for their combination of creamy, buttery texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive presentation. They’re nostalgic, easy to make, and versatile enough to serve at any holiday gathering or gift in jars or bags.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermints

• Use unsalted butter to control sweetness.
• Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
• Don’t overmix once flavorings are added; gentle folding preserves texture.
• Use silicone molds for decorative shapes.
• Store mints in an airtight container to keep them soft yet stable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mints on holiday candy platters, in small gift jars, or as festive party favors. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, enhancing the seasonal experience. Arrange in colorful trays to impress guests with their classic charm and vibrant red accents.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Peppermints combine simplicity, elegance, and classic holiday flavor into a candy that melts in your mouth and delights the senses. With just a few ingredients, these nostalgic treats bring warmth, joy, and a homemade touch to any holiday celebration. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying yourself, these butter mints are a festive essential that will keep everyone coming back for more.