Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Soft Christmas Peppermints are one of those delightful treats that instantly evoke the joy and coziness of the holiday season. These little morsels boast a creamy, buttery texture infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, all wrapped up in a light dusting of sparkling sugar. They’re easy to make yet feel incredibly special, perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends. Once you try this recipe, Soft Christmas Peppermints might just become your new festive favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role: from the richness of the butter, the sweetness and moisture of the condensed milk, to the cool crunch of granulated sugar coating that finalizes every bite with a touch of magic.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a creamy base and tender texture for the mints, so make sure it’s soft but not melted.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup): Acts as a sweet binder that keeps the dough soft and luscious.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups): Essential to thicken the dough and add a smooth sweetness that melts in your mouth.
• Peppermint extract (1 tsp): The star flavor that gives these mints their classic, refreshing holiday spirit.
• Salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint’s brightness.
• Red food coloring (optional): Adds a festive pop of color, perfect for creating beautiful two-tone mints.
• Granulated sugar (for coating): Gives the mints a delicate crunch and a sparkling finish that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by softening your butter until it’s nice and smooth, then beat it together with the sweetened condensed milk. You want the mixture to be fluffy and creamy as this will create the perfect base for your peppermint dough.

Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step thickens the dough gradually, so be patient—your mixture should become dense but still soft enough to shape by the end.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Salt

Next, stir in the peppermint extract along with a tiny pinch of salt. The salt is subtle but essential; it balances all the sweetness and amplifies the peppermint’s crisp notes for that perfect flavor profile.

Step 4: Color and Divide the Dough

Divide your dough evenly into two portions if you want a festive two-tone effect. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and knead it gently until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Roll each portion into small balls about one teaspoon in size. You can gently flatten these balls into little discs or leave them rounded—either shape will highlight the soft, buttery texture beautifully.

Step 6: Coat the Mints in Sugar

Lightly roll every shaped mint in granulated sugar. This step adds a delightful shimmer and a subtle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.

Step 7: Let the Mints Set

Place your sugar-coated mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest at room temperature for about an hour. This setting period allows them to firm up just right before serving or storing.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation with crushed candy canes or a light dusting of edible glitter for a festive sparkle. A sprig of fresh mint nearby can also highlight the peppermint flavor and add a hint of freshness to the serving plate.

Side Dishes

These Soft Christmas Peppermints pair wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced eggnog, rich hot chocolate, or a warm cup of peppermint tea. They also complement dessert platters that feature chocolate bark, cookies, or fruitcake.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the mints in small decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for charming homemade gifts. For holiday parties, consider setting them in colorful candy dishes or nestled in miniature cupcake liners to add a pop of color to your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft Christmas Peppermints keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and flavorful for up to one week, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time for holiday events.

Freezing

If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the mints. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When properly wrapped, they can last up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Because these mints are enjoyed best at room temperature, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the container for an hour or two. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the butter and ruin the delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon extracts to create festive variations. Just keep in mind the flavor intensity when swapping extracts.

Why are my Soft Christmas Peppermints crumbly?

This usually happens if you add too much powdered sugar or don’t mix the dough well enough. Make sure your butter is properly softened and incorporate the sugar gradually until the dough is soft but holds together.

Is it necessary to add the granulated sugar coating?

While not required, coating in granulated sugar gives the mints their characteristic shimmer and a gentle crunch. If you prefer, you can skip this step or try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar after shaping.

Can these mints be made vegan or dairy-free?

It’s a bit tricky because sweetened condensed milk and butter are key to the texture and flavor. However, you could try using vegan butter and sweetened condensed coconut milk as substitutes—though results may vary slightly in texture.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints take to set properly?

Allowing them to set for about one hour at room temperature usually gives the best results. This resting time helps the mints firm up so they hold their shape without losing their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Peppermints are a true holiday treasure, combining nostalgic flavors with a texture that feels like a little bite of Christmas joy. They’re simple enough to whip up on a busy day but special enough to impress your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to make these at home, share the happiness, and add your own festive twist to these delightful treats!

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