Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a nostalgic holiday treat made from creamy butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies can be tinted with festive colors and make perfect gifts or additions to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Flavor and Decoration
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and salt together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even base for your mints.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, approximately one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix continuously until a thick, pliable dough forms, perfect for shaping.
- Incorporate Peppermint Extract: Stir in the peppermint extract thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dough.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into two or three portions. Add a small amount of your chosen food coloring to each portion if desired, then knead each section until the color is fully blended.
- Shape the Mints: Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll each colored dough portion into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick, providing the classic peppermint stick form.
- Cut into Pieces: Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the ropes into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for a delicious candy bite.
- Dry the Mints: Place all cut pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours until they develop a firm exterior while remaining soft inside.
- Store Properly: Once dried, store your mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- For a traditional look, skip food coloring and enjoy natural white mints.
- Use red and green gel colors to create festive holiday-themed candies.
- These mints make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in decorative tins or jars.
- Allow enough drying time for the mints to develop the perfect texture.
