If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, then you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are a cherished recipe in my family. They are so soft and creamy that they practically melt in your mouth, leaving a refreshing minty taste that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another.

Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply want to indulge during a cozy evening at home, these mints are sure to bring joy. They make wonderful gifts too, wrapped up in pretty boxes or arranged on holiday platters. Trust me when I say that everyone will appreciate this sweet gesture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious mints in no time!
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! Rolling the mints is a great way for them to help and have fun in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Convenience: These mints can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for busy days leading up to the holidays.
Customizable Flavor: Add your personal touch with different colors or flavors to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Soft Christmas Peppermints is a breeze thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your flavor preferences or create something unique. Here are some fun ideas:

Add Color: Use different food coloring to create festive swirls or layers of color.
Flavor Twist: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a new twist on classic butter mints.
Chocolate Dip: For an extra indulgence, dip the finished mints in melted dark chocolate and let them set!
Minty Mix: Blend in crushed candy canes for added texture and flavor throughout the mints.

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

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is crucial as it creates a smooth and creamy base for your mints. Use an electric mixer if you have one—it makes this step much easier!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your butter blend while mixing continuously. This helps incorporate all ingredients evenly without any lumps.

Step 3: Add Color and Shape Your Mints

If you’re using food coloring, this is the time to add it! A few drops will do—mix until you achieve your desired shade. Once colored, take small amounts of dough and roll them into balls or shapes of your choice. Remember, these will be soft so don’t worry about perfection; their charm lies in their homemade look!

Step 4: Coat with Granulated Sugar

Roll each mint in granulated sugar before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This gives them a lovely finish and adds just the right amount of sweetness that complements their minty flavor.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Finally, let your prepared mints sit out at room temperature for about an hour until they firm up slightly. This step is key because it allows them to hold their shape while still being soft and delectable!

Now you’re ready to share these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints with everyone you love! Enjoy every moment as you make memories around this special treat.

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

Making these delightful mints can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!

Use softened butter – Softening the butter to room temperature makes it easier to cream with the sugar and ensures a smooth, creamy texture for your mints.
Sift powdered sugar – Sifting helps to eliminate lumps, resulting in a lighter, fluffier mint that melts beautifully in your mouth.
Adjust the peppermint extract – Start with less peppermint extract than called for; you can always add more if you want a stronger mint flavor without overpowering the buttery taste.
Chill before shaping – Refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes allows it to firm up, making it easier to roll into uniform shapes or balls.
Coat with granulated sugar – Rolling the mints in granulated sugar not only adds a lovely finish but also prevents them from sticking together once they’re set.

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

These Soft Christmas Peppermints make for an irresistible holiday treat, and presenting them beautifully can enhance their festive appeal. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve and enjoy these delightful mints!

Garnishes

Crushed candy canes – Sprinkle some crushed candy canes over your mints for an extra festive touch and a delightful crunch.
Fresh mint leaves – A few sprigs of fresh mint not only add color but also complement the minty flavor of your candies beautifully.

Side Dishes

Hot cocoa – This rich and creamy beverage pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the mints, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Christmas cookies – Offer a variety of cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies. Their sweetness harmonizes well with the refreshing taste of your peppermint treats.
Nut mix – A bowl of lightly salted nuts provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the mints, adding a crunchy texture that guests will enjoy.
Fruit platter – Fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices can cleanse the palate between enjoying these sweet delights, making for a well-rounded holiday spread.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to create and share these lovely Soft Christmas Peppermints with friends and family this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season or gift them to friends and family. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their delightful flavor and texture.

Storing Leftovers

Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources for optimal freshness.
If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to prevent stickiness.

Freezing

Place mints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
These mints can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

These mints do not require reheating; they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
If they have become sticky after freezing, dust lightly with granulated sugar before serving.

FAQs

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

Can I adjust the mint flavor in Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, feel free to increase the peppermint extract by 1/4 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired taste.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?

When stored properly, these mints can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure they are kept in an airtight container!

Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?

Yes! If you prefer a more natural approach, feel free to use beet juice or any plant-based coloring that suits your preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints as much as I do! They bring such joy and warmth to the holiday season, whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself. This recipe is not just about creating delicious candy; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s spread some festive cheer together!