Soft Christmas Peppermints – Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday season with these Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are smooth, creamy, and lightly flavored with peppermint — perfect for festive gatherings, gift boxes, or adding a cheerful touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste)
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This creates the smooth, creamy base for your mints.
2. Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It should be firm but easy to handle.
3. Add Color and Shape the Mints
Divide the dough into two portions — leave about three-quarters white and tint the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring.
Roll each portion into thin ropes, then twist the red and white ropes together for a candy cane effect. Cut or pinch into small bite-sized pieces.
4. Let Them Set
Arrange the mints on parchment paper and allow them to air dry for 1–2 hours, just until the outer surface becomes firm. Then leave them uncovered for about 24 hours to fully dry and set.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 40 mints
- Calories: ~60 kcal per mint
Serving Tip:
Serve these festive butter mints at the end of your Christmas dinner, or wrap them in clear cellophane bags with ribbons for a charming homemade holiday gift.
