Name: Homemade Christmas Peppermints: Soft, Creamy, and Irresistible
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1455 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (Ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy blending.); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Dissolves beautifully into the butter.); 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Can substitute with milk for a lighter version.); 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Start with ¼ tsp and adjust based on your taste.); 1 tablespoon Red Gel Food Coloring (Opt for gel over liquid for vibrant colors.)

The first whiff of peppermint filling the kitchen takes me back to cozy holiday gatherings where laughter fills the air and festive treats abound. These Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just any candy; they’re a delightful no-bake treat that marries buttery goodness with the refreshing zing of mint. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this quick recipe only demands 15 minutes of your time, making it an easy way to spread holiday cheer without overwhelming your schedule. Allow them to set for 24 hours to achieve that dreamy soft texture that leaves everyone craving more. Curious about how to create these irresistible mints that’ll steal the spotlight at your next gathering? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Make Christmas Peppermints?

Nostalgic Flavor: These Soft Christmas Peppermints evoke cherished memories of festive celebrations, making them a delightful treat for any holiday gathering.

No-Bake Simplicity: With a quick 15-minute prep, you can whip up these mints without turning on the oven, saving you time during the busy holiday season.

Versatile Customization: Feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla or almond, or color them in various festive hues to match your holiday theme!

Irresistible Texture: The combination of rich butter and heavy cream creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gifting or serving at parties, these mints are sure to be a hit, making your gatherings extra special. For more delicious ideas, don’t miss our holiday dessert collection.

Christmas Peppermint Ingredients

For the Dough

Butter – Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending.
Powdered Sugar – Adds smooth, creamy sweetness essential for the dough. Dissolves beautifully into the butter.
Heavy Whipping Cream – Contributes extra richness, making the mints more velvety. Can substitute with milk for a lighter version; however, it may alter the texture.
Peppermint Extract – Delivers the characteristic cool mint flavor. Start with ¼ tsp and adjust based on your taste for mintiness.

For the Decoration

Red Gel Food Coloring – Used for creating festive red-and-white swirls in the mints. Opt for gel over liquid for vibrant colors without altering dough texture.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and whip it using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. The butter should be a pale yellow color and creamy in consistency, which makes it easy to blend with other ingredients, creating a wonderful base for your Christmas Peppermints.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Begin to gradually incorporate the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into the whipped butter. Mix on low speed to avoid a sugary cloud, then increase to medium after combining. Continue mixing for another 3-5 minutes until the dough forms a firm, smooth consistency, perfect for shaping delightful mints.

Step 3: Divide and Color
Once your dough is smooth, carefully divide it into two equal portions. Leave one portion white and add red gel food coloring to the other, mixing until you achieve a vibrant color. The main goal is to maintain the dough’s texture, so start with a small amount of gel and gradually add more to reach your desired shade.

Step 4: Roll and Twist
Take each colored portion and roll it into thin ropes, about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully twist the red and white ropes together to form a spiral shape. Pinch off small sections of the twisted dough to create individual mints, ensuring they are uniformly sized for an appealing presentation of your Christmas Peppermints.

Step 5: Dry and Set
Place your formed mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between each for air circulation. Allow the mints to air dry for 1-2 hours at room temperature. For the best texture, let them dry completely for a full 24 hours before indulging, resulting in the perfect soft consistency that melts in your mouth.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday season smoother and more enjoyable! You can prepare the mint dough up to 3 days in advance; just mix as directed and refrigerate it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This prevents any drying out and keeps the dough fresh. When you’re ready to create the mints, simply take the dough out, divide, color, and shape them. Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours, but for optimal texture, let them sit for 24 hours before serving. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll save precious time during the bustling holidays while still delighting everyone with these irresistible Soft Christmas Peppermints!

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints?

The magic of the holidays can be enhanced with delightful pairings that make your festive gatherings even more special.

Hot Cocoa: Nothing says cozy like a warm mug of rich hot cocoa; the chocolatey goodness complements the cool minty freshness of your mints perfectly.
Festive Sugar Cookies: Soft sugar cookies topped with a light frosting marry beautifully with peppermint’s zing, adding both crunch and sweetness to your dessert spread.
Creamy Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake offers a rich, velvety counterpart to the lightness of your peppermints. They balance each other and create a heavenly dessert experience.
Minty Green Tea: Sipping a refreshing cup of mint-infused green tea can elevate your holiday treat time, enhancing the flavor of the soft Christmas peppermints while providing a soothing contrast.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider is a festive drink that not only warms you up; its fruity notes and spices pair harmoniously with the coolness of peppermint.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Elegant fruit slices dipped in dark chocolate bring a burst of freshness that beautifully balances the creamy mints. A decadent touch for your holiday table!
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiciness of gingerbread cookies complements the cool minty flavors, creating a cheery contrast that celebrates the season’s spirit.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing twist, serve soft Christmas peppermints alongside chilled sparkling water with lemon or lime; it’s an excellent palate cleanser.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your mints introduces a luscious sweet touch, blending flavors and making for an irresistible sweet treat!

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. Hard butter can lead to lumpy dough that’s difficult to mix.
Peppermint Extract Balance: Start with just ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Taste your dough, and add more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor to your Christmas Peppermints.
Food Coloring Choices: Stick to gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel provides vibrant color without changing the dough’s texture, giving you beautiful swirls.
Proper Drying Time: Don’t rush the drying process. Allow your mints to dry for a full 24 hours to achieve that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Uniform Sizing: When pinching off mints, ensure they are uniform in size. This not only enhances their appearance but also ensures even drying and texture.

Christmas Peppermints Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with these ideas to create your own personalized version of our soft and creamy Christmas Peppermints!

Flavor Swap: Try vanilla or almond extract instead of peppermint for a twist that still feels festive. Each will bring a unique sweetness to your mints.
Color Creativity: Use green gel food coloring for a classic holiday look, or mix colors for a fun pastel version perfect for spring celebrations.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each mint in melted chocolate for a rich accent that adds a delicious contrast to the refreshing mint.
Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected dash of warmth. This spicy twist will surprise and delight your guests!
Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the mint mixture for a delightful crunch. Just be sure to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to keep the texture smooth.
Cream Cheese Addition: Blend in a little cream cheese for added tanginess and a richer texture. This variation makes the mints extra luscious and perfect for indulgent occasions.
Mini Treats: Roll smaller mints for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing and enjoying at parties. They’ll be irresistible as small nibbles.
Herbal Essence: Experiment with other extracts like lemon or coconut for something refreshing and different. Each will lend a fresh new flavor perfect for non-traditional holiday gatherings.

Feel inspired? Check out more delicious festive ideas in our holiday dessert collection and consider adding a dash of fun to your holiday gatherings with these delightful mints!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermints

Airtight Container: Store your soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and maintain their delightful texture for up to 2 weeks.

Fridge: If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating the mints to ensure they don’t become too soft. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat your Christmas Peppermints. Simply allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying them again!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

What are the best types of butter for making Christmas Peppermints?
Using unsalted butter is best for Soft Christmas Peppermints, as it allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy blending, which helps achieve that rich, creamy texture everyone loves.

How should I store my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them to prevent unwanted softness. They’ll hold up in the fridge for about 3 weeks.

Can I freeze my Christmas Peppermints?
Absolutely! To freeze your mints, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

What if my mints are too soft after drying?
If you find that your mints haven’t dried properly, it may be due to excess humidity or not allowing enough dry time. Ensure they are spread out on the parchment-lined sheet properly and give them the full 24 hours to dry. If they remain too soft, you can place them in the fridge briefly to firm up, but they’ll be softer than intended.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint for my mints?
Very much so! While peppermint is a classic choice, you can experiment with flavors such as vanilla, almond, or even lemon extract. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste preference, and remember that not all flavors need the same measurements as peppermint. Start with less and taste as you mix!

Are these Soft Christmas Peppermints safe for pets or people with allergies?
These mints contain common allergens like dairy and sugar, so they should be kept away from pets, as chocolate and even sugar can be harmful to them. For those with allergies, always consider substitutions and check all ingredients, specifically for any nut derivatives or gluten in powdered sugar, to ensure they are safe to share!