The aroma of fresh peppermint wafting through the kitchen always brings me back to my childhood holiday celebrations, filled with laughter and joyful gatherings. That’s the magic I’ve captured in these Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing mint flavor, these delightful treats are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also perfect for sharing and gifting during the festive season. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a sweet indulgence everyone can enjoy! So, are you ready to make your holiday traditions even sweeter? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why Make Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Nostalgic Treat: These mints evoke warm memories of holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of tradition to your festivities.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth: Their creamy texture ensures that each bite is a delightful experience.
Quick & Easy: With no baking required, you’ll be enjoying these peppermint treats in no time!
Versatile Flavors: Customize them with different extracts or colors for a festive touch.
Gift-Worthy: Perfectly packaged, they make charming gifts for friends and family.

Christmas Peppermint Ingredients

For the Mint Base

Unsalted Butter – Provides a creamy base and rich flavor; for best results, use real butter rather than margarine to ensure optimal taste.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and creaminess; powdered milk is not a suitable substitute due to different texture and flavor.
Powdered Sugar – Helps create the smooth texture of the mints; ensure it’s sifted to avoid lumps.
Peppermint Extract – Delivers the refreshing mint flavor; can be substituted with vanilla, almond, or orange extracts for a different taste.

For the Color (Optional)

Food Coloring – For visual appeal; divide the dough and mix different colors for a festive look.

Remember, these Christmas Peppermints are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by taking your unsalted butter out of the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Using a mixing bowl and an electric mixer, cream the butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This fluffy base is essential for your Soft Christmas Peppermints, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Extract
Once the butter is nice and fluffy, slowly add in the sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed. This should take about a minute to fully incorporate. Next, add the peppermint extract to the mixture and continue to mix until everything is smooth and well combined, roughly another minute. The sweet and minty scent will start to fill your kitchen, signaling that you’re on your way to delicious Christmas Peppermints!

Step 3: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, adding one cup at a time while mixing on low. Aim for a nice consistency, mixing until there are no lumps left, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture should come together into a soft dough, perfect for shaping into those melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Peppermints.

Step 4: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want to add some festive flair, divide the dough into separate bowls based on how many colors you’d like to use. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and mix thoroughly until you achieve your desired shade. This extra step will not only offer vibrant visuals but also enhance the holiday spirit in your Soft Christmas Peppermints!

Step 5: Shape the Mints
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, about one inch in diameter. For a fun twist, you can use cookie cutters to create seasonal shapes. Arrange your mints on a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each piece. The visual appeal starts coming together as you shape these delightful treats!

Step 6: Let Them Set
Once all your mints are shaped, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. During this time, they will firm up nicely. If you prefer firmer mints, you can pop them in the fridge for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to help enhance their texture. Your Soft Christmas Peppermints are almost ready to spread holiday cheer!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are an excellent choice for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the mint base up to 3 days in advance by following these steps: after shaping the mints, place them in a single layer on a lined tray and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before serving. To maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them sit out for a few minutes to regain their optimal texture, and you’ll have homemade Christmas Peppermints that are just as delightful as when they were first made!

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Chill for Easier Handling: If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for a short time before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Textural Perfection: For firmer mints, consider refrigerating them after shaping. This will result in a more satisfying and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Creative Coatings: Dipping your mints in melted chocolate is a delicious way to add richness and a festive appearance, making your Christmas Peppermints even more irresistible.
Storing Wisely: Always store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their freshness and delightful texture for a week.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or almond to create unique variations of these delightful Christmas Peppermints.

Christmas Peppermints Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make these delightful Christmas Peppermints your own with some tasty twists and variations!

Flavor Twist: Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond for a unique flavor profile.
Explore these alternatives to create a delectable assortment of mints that cater to everyone’s taste.
Colorful Creations: Use natural food coloring or even spices like turmeric for a vibrant, festive look.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fun flair to your holiday treats.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip your mints in melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent layer.
The combination of creamy mint and rich chocolate creates a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist.
Seasonal Shapes: Use cookie cutters to make themed shapes, like stars or candy canes, for festive cheer.
Get creative with presentations that make your Christmas Peppermints perfect for gift-giving or parties.
Coconut Delight: Roll the finished mints in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
This adds a delightful sweetness and uniqueness that will surprise and delight your family and friends.
Nutty Addition: Blend in finely chopped nuts or crushed candy canes to the mixture for added crunch.
A little texture can elevate the experience, giving a delightful contrast to the soft mints.
Minty Chocolate Swirl: Try adding cocoa powder to half the batch to create a chocolate mint swirl effect.
This will not only be visually stunning but will also cater to the chocolate lovers in your life.
Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising kick!
This unexpected heat pairs beautifully with the coolness of mint, creating a memorable flavor combination.

These variations make it easy to customize your Christmas Peppermints. Consider mixing and matching ideas for a delightful treat that reflects your personal style while still capturing the festive spirit! For more cozy holiday recipes, check out our guide on delicious holiday desserts.

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Indulging in these delightful mints opens up a world of delicious possibilities that can elevate your holiday festivities.

Classic Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy texture of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the cool minty flavor, creating a comforting treat.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: These festive cookies add a lovely crunch and warmth, balancing the soft texture of the Christmas Peppermints.
Peppermint Bark: Embrace the holiday spirit by serving this chocolatey, minty treat along with your mints for a double dose of festive flavor!
Bubbly Prosecco: The light, effervescent nature of Prosecco complements the sweetness of the mints, making for an elegant holiday drink pairing.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Adding slices of crisp apples, juicy pears, or tangy oranges introduces a fresh contrast to the creamy mints.
Ginger Tea: A warm cup of ginger tea with its spicy notes enhances the sweetness of the mints and warms the heart.
Mini Cheesecakes: The rich, smooth texture of individual cheesecakes harmonizes with the soft Christmas Peppermints, creating a decadent dessert experience.
Roasted Nuts: Crunchy, salted nuts provide a satisfying texture, balancing the sweetness of the mints while bringing a touch of savory flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermints

Room Temperature: These mints can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and flavor.

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the Christmas Peppermints, where they will stay good for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the mints in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these mints; simply let them come to room temperature after freezing for a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for my Christmas Peppermints?
Absolutely! Although most ingredients in this recipe don’t have a “ripeness” factor, it is essential to pick quality items. Use fresh unsalted butter, as it provides a creamy richness that elevates the mints. Aim for sweetened condensed milk that is smooth and without lumps for a perfect blend in your mints.

How should I store my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Very well! These delightful treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in the same container for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness and texture.

Can I freeze Christmas Peppermints, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Soft Christmas Peppermints, simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the mints to an airtight container or a freezer bag, carefully labeled, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky or soft?
If you find that your dough is too soft to handle comfortably, no worries! I recommend chilling the dough in the fridge for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to shape your mints without any mess. If it’s still too sticky, consider adding a bit more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations for Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Yes! These mints are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a safe treat for many dietary preferences. However, always double-check the labels on your ingredients, especially for sweetened condensed milk and extracts, to avoid any allergens. If you have specific allergies, feel free to substitute peppermint extract with other flavorings like vanilla or almond that suit your needs!