If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, let me introduce you to these Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). There’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy butter and refreshing mint that just screams festive cheer. These little mints are perfect for sharing at family gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself during those cozy winter nights.

What makes these Soft Christmas Peppermints truly special is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. They bring back fond memories of holiday celebrations, where the sweet scent of peppermint fills the air. Plus, they’re quick to whip up—so even on those busy days leading up to the holidays, you can indulge in a sweet moment of joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have delicious mints ready in no time.
Perfect for sharing: These treats make wonderful gifts! Wrap them up in a festive box or jar and watch your loved ones smile.
Customizable flavor: Adjust the mint intensity or add food coloring for a fun twist that makes them uniquely yours.
Nostalgic charm: Enjoying these mints can transport you back to childhood memories of holiday festivities with every bite.
Family-friendly fun: Involve your kids in the process! They’ll love helping shape the mints and adding their personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

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! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some fun ideas:

Add different flavors: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist on the classic mint flavor.
Change up the colors: Use green food coloring instead of red for a fresh look or create a marbled effect by swirling different colors together.
Make them festive: Roll the mints in crushed candy canes or colored sugar for an extra holiday sparkle.
Adjust the size: Shape them into larger or smaller bites depending on how you plan to serve them—perfect for parties or small treats.

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

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Milk

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step creates a rich base that gives our mints that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Flavoring

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the sweetness while balancing out the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Color Your Mints (Optional)

If you’d like to add some color, now’s your chance! If using, add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix until you reach your desired shade. This step not only makes them look festive but also adds an extra layer of fun!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Dust your hands with some granulated sugar to prevent sticking. Take small pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into little discs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is where you can get creative with shapes!

Step 5: Let Them Set

Once shaped, let your mints sit at room temperature for about an hour until they firm up. This resting period allows them to develop their signature soft texture while ensuring they hold their shape when enjoying later.

There you have it! Now you’re ready to share these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) with everyone around you. Enjoy every moment spent making—and savoring—these sweet holiday treats!

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

Making these delightful mints can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

Use room temperature butter: Softened butter combines more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Gradually add powdered sugar: Incorporating the powdered sugar slowly helps to prevent clumps and ensures a uniformly soft mixture. This will make shaping your mints much easier!
Knead the mixture well: Kneading the dough until it’s soft and pliable is crucial. This process activates the ingredients, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth consistency we all love.
Chill before shaping: Allowing the dough to chill for even just 15 minutes can make it easier to handle. This helps maintain their shape while you’re rolling them into balls or shapes.
Experiment with colors: If you’re feeling festive, adding red food coloring can make these mints visually appealing! A little color not only enhances presentation but also adds to the holiday spirit.

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delicious but also a treat for the eyes! Here are some fun ways to present them during your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkle some crushed peppermint on top of your mints before they set for an extra festive touch.
Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds richness and visual appeal, making each mint look gourmet.

Side Dishes

Holiday Cookie Platter: Pair these mints with an assortment of cookies like sugar cookies or gingerbread for a delightful dessert spread that appeals to all ages.
Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats sipping on warm hot cocoa while enjoying these buttery mints! The combination of flavors creates a comforting holiday experience.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet mints. The bright colors and natural sweetness enhance any holiday table setting.
Spiced Tea: Serve these mints alongside a cup of spiced tea for an inviting warm drink option. The aromatic spices in the tea complement the minty flavor beautifully.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a treat, but a memorable festive experience for everyone! Enjoy making and sharing your Soft Christmas Peppermints this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time and have them ready for holiday gatherings or gifts. With proper storage, they’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Storing Leftovers

Keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
They can last for up to two weeks, maintaining their soft texture.
For longer freshness, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of mints to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These mints freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these mints; they are meant to be enjoyed straight from storage!
If they become too firm after freezing, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like spearmint, vanilla, or almond for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) colorful?

To add color, simply mix in a few drops of food coloring when combining the ingredients. You can create swirls or divide the mixture into sections for multiple colors!

What if my mints turn out too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can I gift Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Definitely! These mints make an excellent homemade gift. Just package them in decorative boxes or jars with a festive ribbon!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints! They’re not only simple and quick to prepare but also bring that nostalgic holiday spirit into your home. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring some yourself, these little treats are sure to spread joy this season. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet bite!

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 mints 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints), a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mints combine rich butter and refreshing peppermint, evoking cherished holiday memories. Ideal for family gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, they can be customized with vibrant colors and flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or making sweet memories with loved ones, these Soft Christmas Peppermints bring joy to the season!

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 bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in peppermint extract and salt.
If desired, mix in red food coloring until you reach your preferred shade.
Dust hands with granulated sugar and shape mixture into small balls or discs, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Let mints sit at room temperature for about an hour to firm up.