Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, with their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, bring a nostalgic touch to any holiday celebration. Each mint combines smooth butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of peppermint flavor, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The twisted red and white colors add a festive charm, making them visually appealing as well.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract adjust to taste
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Ingredients: Gradually add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is firm and smooth, forming a dough-like consistency.
- Divide and Color: Divide the dough into two portions. Leave 3/4 of the dough white, and color the remaining 1/4 with red gel food coloring.
- Form the Mints: Roll out small portions of each dough color into thin ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together and pinch off small sections to form individual mints.
- Dry and Set: Place the mints on a baking sheet and let them air dry for 1-2 hours, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Allow them to dry further for 24 hours before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is ideal for candy as it creates vibrant colors without affecting consistency.
- Let Mints Fully Dry: Allowing the mints to air dry for 24 hours is essential for the right texture, so plan to make them a day in advance.
- Adjusting Peppermint Flavor: For a stronger flavor, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract, but be careful as peppermint can be overpowering.