Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the crisp winter air brings back a whirlwind of memories—glimmering decorations, laughter with family, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. One of my fondest memories involves my grandmother painstakingly preparing her famous butter mints, every swirl of peppermint bringing warmth and cheer. These Soft Christmas Peppermints carry that nostalgic charm, making them perfect for gatherings or snuggling up by the fire.
What makes these butter mints really shine is their wonderful creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, spreading joy to everyone around you. Plus, the addition of peppermint gives them that quintessential holiday flavor that’s simply irresistible. Let’s gather those ingredients and start creating a little festive magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened; for a richer flavor)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted; for smoothness)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (more if you really love mint)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (this helps create that creamy texture)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Food coloring (optional; red or green for a festive touch)
- Powdered sugar for rolling (prevents sticking)
Making the Mints
Let’s roll up our sleeves and create these delightful treats! Start by creaming the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Next, gradually beat in the powdered sugar—this step is important, as it ensures everything blends smoothly without clumps. You’ll end up with a thick, creamy mixture that looks almost like frosting.
Once that’s ready, it’s time to add the peppermint extract, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Why salt, you ask? Just a small amount elevates the flavors. Mix everything well until the color is cohesive. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of food coloring; this step transforms your mints into a holiday spectacle!
Now, dust your clean countertop with powdered sugar to keep things non-stick. Scoop out a small amount of the dough and roll it into tiny balls, about the size of a marble. Flatten them gently to create the classic mint shape. Repeat with the rest of the dough, placing the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Afterward, let them rest for about an hour at room temperature, allowing them to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
Family Gatherings: Share the delightful mints in a beautifully wrapped box, adding a personal touch with a handwritten note—your loved ones will appreciate the sentiment.
Holiday Parties: These mints can be the perfect after-dinner treat, served alongside warm coffee or cocoa, enhancing the festive atmosphere and warming your heart.
Gifts from the Kitchen: Package these jolly mints in cute jars tied with a ribbon. They make for thoughtful homemade gifts, spreading holiday cheer to friends, neighbors, and teachers.
Tips or Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors! While peppermint is a classic, why not try adding almond or orange extract for a twist? You could even make these mints vegan by substituting the butter with coconut oil and using non-dairy condensed milk. If you’re short on time, consider using a candy mold for shaping, which makes the process even quicker and adds a unique look.
Q&A Section
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Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, but it may result in a firmer mint. Sweetened condensed milk adds a lovely creaminess. -
How long do these butter mints last?
If stored in an airtight container, they can last up to two weeks. -
Can I freeze these mints?
Absolutely! Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing, and they’ll keep for up to a month. -
What if my mixture is too sticky?
If it’s too sticky to roll, add a little extra powdered sugar until it reaches a workable consistency.
Behind The Scenes
Creating this recipe took me back to my childhood kitchen, filled with laughter and the scent of melted butter. Initially, my mints were a little too soft, leading to a failed attempt at rolling them. After a few adjustments and some trial and error, I found the perfect balance and fell in love with the resulting creamy texture. It’s amazing how some sweet nostalgia can inspire beautiful treats.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are more than just a candy; they embody the spirit of the season. Enjoy them during cozy family nights, share them with neighbors, or simply indulge while curled up with your favorite holiday movie. Whether you opt for traditional peppermint or explore new flavors, these mints are bound to spark joy.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and delicious treats! Can’t wait for you to try these!
Soft Christmas Peppermints
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened; for a richer flavor) Use softened butter for better texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted; for smoothness) Sifting ensures smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (more if you really love mint) Adjust based on your mint preference.
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (this helps create that creamy texture) Adds creaminess to the mixture.
- 1 pinch salt (to balance the sweetness) Enhances overall flavor.
- Food coloring (optional; red or green for a festive touch) Optional for decoration.
- Powdered sugar for rolling (prevents sticking) Use to prevent dough from sticking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the peppermint extract, sweetened condensed milk, and pinch of salt. Mix until combined.
- If desired, add food coloring for a festive touch and mix until the color is cohesive.
- Dust your countertop with powdered sugar. Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls, flattening them gently.
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest at room temperature for about an hour to firm up.
