If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that takes you back to simpler times, these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are just the thing! They’re creamy, buttery, and have that refreshing minty kick that instantly lifts your spirits. I remember making these with my family during the holidays, and they always brought smiles to our faces. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want a sweet snack to enjoy while cozying up at home, these mints are perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth treats that everyone will adore. Plus, they make wonderful gifts! Just imagine how thrilled your friends and family will be when they receive a tin filled with these lovely mints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: In just 10 minutes of hands-on time, you can have these mints ready for chilling.
Family-friendly fun: Making these mints is an enjoyable activity for kids and adults alike—everyone can join in!
Perfect for gifting: These soft mints look charming in festive packaging, making them ideal holiday gifts.
Versatile flavors: You can adjust the peppermint intensity or even add color for a fun twist.
Make ahead convenience: Prepare them ahead of time and store them for holiday gatherings or last-minute guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Christmas Peppermints call for simple and wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful treats!

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

One of the best parts about these mints is how flexible the recipe is. You can easily modify it to suit your taste or to get creative!

Add some color: Try using different food coloring shades to match your holiday theme!
Mix up the flavor: Use vanilla extract instead of peppermint for a sweet twist.
Go nutty: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the mixture for added texture.
Try different coatings: Instead of granulated sugar, roll them in crushed candy canes for a festive crunch!

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Milk

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it creates a smooth base for your mints. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure your mints have that rich, buttery flavor we all love.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavoring

Next, gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. It may seem like a lot at first, but keep mixing! Once smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. This combination adds that iconic minty flavor while balancing out the sweetness.

Step 3: Color Your Mints (Optional)

If you’d like some festive colors in your mints, now’s the time to add red food coloring! Just drop in a few drops at a time and mix until you achieve your desired shade. It’s so fun to see this step come together!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Now comes the fun part! Dust your hands with granulated sugar (this prevents sticking) and roll small pieces of dough into balls or shape them into little discs. Aim for about one inch in size; this will give you those perfect bite-sized treats!

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Place your shaped mints onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps them firm up nicely so they hold their shape when enjoying.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once chilled, serve these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints during your celebrations or pack them up as gifts. Either way, I know they’ll disappear quickly! Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth moment with friends and family this holiday season!

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

Making these delightful mints is sure to be a highlight of your holiday preparations!

Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy texture that contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Gradually add powdered sugar: By adding the powdered sugar slowly, you can better control the consistency of your mint mixture, preventing it from becoming too thick or challenging to knead.
Knead well: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and pliable is key to achieving that soft texture. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your mints fluffier.
Experiment with colors: If you want to make your mints extra festive, consider dividing the dough and using different food coloring for a fun, colorful presentation. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Coat in granulated sugar: Rolling the mints in granulated sugar not only adds a delightful crunch but also helps prevent them from sticking together once they’re set.

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

These lovely mints can be displayed in charming ways that enhance their festive appeal and shareability. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully at your gatherings.

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint on your serving platter not only look attractive but also hint at the minty flavor of the candies.
Cocoa powder dusting: Lightly dusting cocoa powder around your mints can create a sophisticated look while complementing their sweetness with a hint of bitterness.

Side Dishes

Hot chocolate: The rich, creamy texture of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these mints, making for an indulgent treat perfect for cold winter evenings.
Christmas cookies: Offer an assortment of festive cookies alongside your mints. The combination of flavors and textures will delight guests and provide variety during dessert time.
Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the mints. Opt for seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only make delicious Soft Christmas Peppermints but also create an inviting atmosphere that celebrates the joy of this wonderful season! Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family—they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout your celebrations.

Storing Leftovers

Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture and flavor.
They should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these mints; simply take them out of storage and enjoy them as is!
If they’ve been frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints).

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon for a delightful twist on these classic mints.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these mints can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature. If frozen, they can keep well for about 3 months!

Is it possible to make these mints without food coloring?

Yes! The food coloring is purely optional. Your mints will still taste fantastic without it; they’ll just be a lovely creamy white instead!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)! They truly capture the essence of the holiday spirit with their creamy texture and refreshing minty flavor. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them yourself, I’m sure they will bring smiles all around. Happy candy-making, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: Refrigeration time
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 24 mints 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgic delight of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints), a creamy treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, these mints bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these flavorful confections that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you prefer a classic mint flavor or want to experiment with colors and variations, this easy recipe allows for creative twists. Make these charming mints ahead of time and savor the festive spirit all season long!

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in peppermint extract and salt.
If desired, add red food coloring and mix until achieving the desired shade.
Dust hands with granulated sugar and shape small pieces of dough into balls or discs, about one inch in size.
Place shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about an hour to firm them up.
Serve chilled during celebrations or package as gifts.