If you’re on the hunt for a nostalgic holiday treat that brings both charm and a burst of festive flavor, let me introduce you to the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe. These delightful little melts-in-your-mouth candies capture the essence of peppermint with a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the classic crunchy mint you might expect. Perfect for sharing across gatherings or as a heartfelt homemade gift, this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe blends creamy butter, cool peppermint, and cheerful red-and-white swirls to bring holiday spirit to your kitchen and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these soft Christmas candies lies in a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the right texture, flavor, and festive look that these Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe fans adore.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): The base that creates smoothness and richness for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Offers sweetness and structure to hold the mints together without being grainy.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and moisture, making the candies soft rather than hard.
- Peppermint extract (¼ tsp): Brings that classic festive peppermint flavor that defines this recipe.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives just the right pop of holiday color, perfect for those cheerful candy stripes.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Start by beating your softened butter in a bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your mints have a smooth, creamy base that sets the perfect soft texture.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into the fluffy butter. Mix everything together until you get a smooth and firm dough. The gradual addition helps maintain the right consistency, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Divide and Color Dough
Once your dough is ready, divide it with about three quarters left white and one quarter tinted with red gel food coloring. This is where the festive visual magic of the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe begins to take shape.
Step 4: Form the Mints
Roll each dough portion into thin ropes. Twist the white and red ropes together and pinch off small pieces to form individual mints that resemble tiny candy canes. The swirling pattern gives them that classic peppermint look everyone loves.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Let the mints air dry uncovered for 1 to 2 hours so they lose a bit of surface moisture. Then cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces if desired. Allow the candies to dry for 24 hours to develop the perfect soft texture that makes this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle your soft peppermint candies with finely crushed candy canes or edible gold flakes. Not only do these garnishes add a little sparkle, but they also enhance texture contrasts that make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe alongside a cozy hot cocoa or warm mulled cider. Their cooling peppermint flavor is a lovely counterpoint to these warm drinks, creating a classic holiday pairing that everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping your soft Christmas peppermint candies in cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon for gifting. Or arrange them in a festive bowl alongside other holiday treats to bring a pop of color and flavor to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe candies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to two weeks, making them perfect to prepare well ahead of holiday parties.
Freezing
If you want to store the mints longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature to retain their soft texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these candies since their charm lies in their soft, cool peppermint flavor. But if they get slightly firm, just let them sit at room temperature for a bit and they will soften up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon extracts for a unique twist, just keep the quantities similar to maintain balance.
How long do the Soft Christmas Peppermints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these soft mints stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks at room temperature and longer if frozen.
Why do I need to let the mints dry for 24 hours?
The drying period is essential to develop the perfect soft texture. It allows excess moisture to evaporate so the candies set nicely without being sticky or too crumbly.
Can I make smaller batches of this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe?
Certainly! Just halve or quarter the ingredient amounts as needed. Keep proportions consistent to ensure the candy sets up correctly.
Is gel food coloring necessary?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant color without altering dough consistency, but liquid food coloring can work in smaller amounts if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade holiday candies, and the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe brings that warm, wonderful feeling right to your kitchen. Soft, sweet, and bursting with festive peppermint flavor, these little candies are bound to become a cherished tradition. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share that joyous, minty magic with your loved ones.
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat featuring a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfectly twisted with traditional red and white coloring, these homemade mints are easy to make and ideal for gifting or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes fluffy and smooth to create the perfect base for your peppermint dough.
- Add Ingredients: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and firm enough to handle.
- Divide and Color Dough: Separate the dough into two portions, leaving three quarters white and coloring the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant festive hue.
- Form the Mints: Roll each dough portion into thin ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together carefully, then pinch off small pieces to shape individual mints with the classic peppermint swirl appearance.
- Dry the Mints: Allow the formed mints to air dry for 1-2 hours to set their shape. Then cut them into smaller pieces if desired, and let them dry further for 24 hours until they are soft yet firm and ready to serve or package.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened properly for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
- Use gel food coloring as it won’t affect the dough’s texture like liquid colorings might.
- Allow the mints to dry completely to develop the perfect soft but set texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to taste.
